Benchwork - Backdrop and wiring

   @Aegis21   John,  I am slowly going through the Fusion 360 tutorials in order to design a (laser cut) freight house for my layout. That tool is so incredibly powerful, I keep thinking how much it would have affected my engineering design efforts. Just getting a spreadsheet was awesome.  Somehow I think one needs to have a much broader engineering knowledge to really use the functionality of the tool. When using it for 3D printed parts, how do you know where to put the supports needed during printing?

I watched a lot of Bob Ross but found I like Jerry Yarnell a touch better.  Since he works in acrylics, I find it easier to translate into what I am trying to do.  The methods for blending colors and transitioning into different areas is enlightening. Much different than paint-by-numbers as a youngster.

Depending on how much room you have for the backdrop, It can be helpful to compose foam layers to add "depth" and texture. This was just a couple of layers of 1 inch foam board. Never had time to paint the walls. I think this was my favorite section of my old layout. I moved this "mountain" with me to Michigan where it resides on my new layout.   

The masonite backdrop below is a light blue grey - just waiting for clouds and perhaps an angry sky.

Hi guys, you both make scenery look easy! I know it takes a lot of work and you both show that it pays off!

@Mikki posted:

John, I was an art teacher (of teens) for 33 years and can navigate a loaded brush pretty well myself. Having said that, I probably won't be painting my own backdrop and opt for commercial ones instead especially since I am doing an urban/industrial setting. I am TOTOALLY IMPRESSED with your painting skills and the fact that you are a novice at that. Stop doubting yourself; you have skills, man! Seriously, great job. The comments from the group are also on point and should be taken into consideration.

Mikki

Mikki I will

Hi Mikki,

Thank you for the encouragement, and kind words. I will continue learning and adding as I go along this path. I did consider a commercial solution, however funding was not available for that option. Although paint isn't that cheap. I am using a good amount of craft paint for the cost consideration.

Again Thanks for your valued input.

john

@mike g. posted:

Hi John, I know what you mean, its been awhile since I used SCARM and I am having a heck of a time with it to the point I had to ask for help again with my future layout!

Hi Mike,

It is unfortunate that we learn and un-learn things at the same or for me a faster rate!

LOL

@Mark Boyce posted:

John, Take Mikki's word for it.  Your backdrop painting looks really good!!!

Thanks Mark for the encouragement. Your build is nothing short of perfection.

@ScoutingDad posted:

   @Aegis21   John,  I am slowly going through the Fusion 360 tutorials in order to design a (laser cut) freight house for my layout. That tool is so incredibly powerful, I keep thinking how much it would have affected my engineering design efforts. Just getting a spreadsheet was awesome.  Somehow I think one needs to have a much broader engineering knowledge to really use the functionality of the tool. When using it for 3D printed parts, how do you know where to put the supports needed during printing?

I watched a lot of Bob Ross but found I like Jerry Yarnell a touch better.  Since he works in acrylics, I find it easier to translate into what I am trying to do.  The methods for blending colors and transitioning into different areas is enlightening. Much different than paint-by-numbers as a youngster.

Depending on how much room you have for the backdrop, It can be helpful to compose foam layers to add "depth" and texture. This was just a couple of layers of 1 inch foam board. Never had time to paint the walls. I think this was my favorite section of my old layout. I moved this "mountain" with me to Michigan where it resides on my new layout.   

The masonite backdrop below is a light blue grey - just waiting for clouds and perhaps an angry sky.

Hi Jeff,

I have to second your comment on the power of fusion360 and what it would have been to have that years ago in design work.  I use Cura to generate the gcode files which puts the supports where needed. I have done some pieces without supports and they came out ok, but better with supports enabled at 55 or 60 degrees overhang.

I will have to look up Yarnell for sure.

I only have 3 inch clearance from wall to track with one or two sections at 4inches. Your idea of using foam and creating mountains is fantastic for sure! And then you made it come to life to boot! Wow, now that is not only innovative, but beautifully carried out to fruition.

I also love your portals and stone retaining walls.

Great Job!

John, I think yours looks better than my painting, though I was trying to match the style and colors of the original painter that did the backdrop I bought from a forum member.  My part is to the right, the original on the left behind the hotel.

@Mark Boyce posted:

John, I think yours looks better than my painting, though I was trying to match the style and colors of the original painter that did the backdrop I bought from a forum member.  My part is to the right, the original on the left behind the hotel.

Hi Mark,

Great job of matching both colors and technique! Gives me a good idea of how things will look when scenery is placed in front of the backdrops. btw: Yours looks great!

Here are some update photos, the scenes aren't final as I have foreground to add and some details too.

Thank you, John!  My artist daughter, Heidi, gave me a bunch of craft acrylic colors that were close to the original.  She has a massive selection of colors in several mediums, and knows how to mix colors so the first results don’t all turn brown as my mixing would be.  🤪  All I ask is for some direction from her then do it myself.

I like your work, John!  Once your layout scenery is in place, it will all blend nicely.

Morning John, I have to say I think you are doing a wonderful job with your painting skills! Way above anything i have done and might be able to do! LOL

@Mark Boyce posted:

I like your work, John!  Once your layout scenery is in place, it will all blend nicely.

Well kudos to your daughter for lending a hand! You two combined, did a great job !

@mike g. posted:

Morning John, I have to say I think you are doing a wonderful job with your painting skills! Way above anything i have done and might be able to do! LOL

Like Chris Lyons said, anyone can do this, even an engineer... lol btw I uploaded the trestle files on the 3d print file area. I hope I did it correctly, and someone can use them as is... if not hoping I get some time to make these scalable for clearances. Right now the clearance underneath is 5.5 inches I suppose someone can print a cement pillar to raise the support if needed. Not sure when they will show up on this site. This is for dual tracks spaced 4.5 ctc center to center

Thats great news John, I will give it a look so I know what I am looking for when I get a 3D printer!

@mike g. posted:

Thats great news John, I will give it a look so I know what I am looking for when I get a 3D printer!

Hi Mike

Dennis said it was approved but someone is on vacation and it has to wait until they return in order for them to post it

@Aegis21 posted:

Hi Mike

Dennis said it was approved but someone is on vacation and it has to wait until they return in order for them to post it

Thanks for the update, I know to keep my eyes open for it!

Until we get it up... nicely detailed ...and, it printed without issue.

Very, Very Nice Work, John !@!@!

@Dennis-LaRock posted:

Until we get it up... nicely detailed ...and, it printed without issue.

Very, Very Nice Work, John !@!@!

Dennis looks great! Sure is nice that folks like John add to the 3D print files! Thank you both so much!

Hi All, Looking for HELP on closing off the section of layout wall between the train room and layout room with including two access panels, one 26" wide and the other 30" wide. Here is a picture of the area. I have only one fish tank on that wall at present time, and would like to keep it in that area if possible. I can build a plaster wall in there, however hiding the seams for the access panels seems to pose a challenge. I considered Masonite and  even a drop fabric with a background on it . (if there is such a thing?) I thought I saw somewhere, Masonite panels that were removable for access... I can't find that post, i'm not sure it was on this site LOL

Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks in Advance John

John, I am considering the same thing for a corner of my layout which needs access from time to time so needs to be movable.  Two options as I see it, are make a frame and attach the thin masonite (1/8 ") to it. Or make a frame and stretch photo background paper to the frame. The stuff is 54 inches wide and long.  Comes in all kinds of colors and patterns and not too expensive. I was going to use it horizontally. They also make polyester photo curtains.   You can also hang any of these panels from the ceiling with light duty chain so its easy to take down when necessary.

On my permanent portion I went with the thin masonite and painted it a light grey/blue. I would not necessarily worry about the seam - kind of depends on what you are looking for as to finish on the background.

Photo paper

I got rid of my fish tanks, my last was a 55 gallon fresh water tank, fully planted. I used to raise fish in high school. I found I would be interested in them for 4 or 5 years and then lose interest for another 5 years and then get back in. At least with trains nothing is living and needs constant attention.  I think I am done this time around - unless I hired a guy to install and maintain a salt water aquarium - in the next house - this one does not have the space.     

@Aegis21 posted:

Hi All, Looking for HELP on closing off the section of layout wall between the train room and layout room with including two access panels, one 26" wide and the other 30" wide. Here is a picture of the area. I have only one fish tank on that wall at present time, and would like to keep it in that area if possible. I can build a plaster wall in there, however hiding the seams for the access panels seems to pose a challenge. I considered Masonite and  even a drop fabric with a background on it . (if there is such a thing?) I thought I saw somewhere, Masonite panels that were removable for access... I can't find that post, i'm not sure it was on this site LOL

Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks in Advance John

John- Are you looking to create 1- a visual break between the layout and the rest of the room, or 2- a full height divider?

For option 1- a 24" high frame with the appropriate printed backdrop would work.
Option 2- almost anything would do. I'd stay away from any kind of permanent frame/ drywall construction.

Bob