Creating Realistic Model Train Scenery

A Step-by-Step Guide to Transform Your Model Train Layout

Welcome to a world of miniature marvels! If you’re a model train enthusiast looking to create realistic scenery for your layout, you’ve come to the right place. In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to transform your train set into a lifelike landscape that will captivate your viewers.

Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience in model railway, this guide is designed to help you bring your imagination to life. From designing picturesque mountains and valleys to adding intricate details like trees, buildings, and streetlights, we’ll cover it all.

Using carefully chosen materials and techniques, we’ll guide you through every stage of the process, from planning and creating the base to painting and weathering your structures. You’ll discover the secrets to making your scenery look natural and authentic, creating a true work of art.

So, grab your tools and get ready to take your model train layout to the next level. Join us on this exciting journey as we unveil the secrets of creating realistic model train scenery.

Importance of Realistic Scenery in Model Train Layouts

One of the most important aspects of creating a model train layout is the scenery. The scenery is what gives the layout its realism, its character, and its appeal. The scenery can also enhance the theme, the era, and the location of the layout. A realistic scenery can make the difference between a mediocre and a magnificent model train layout.

Many factors contribute to realistic scenery, such as scale, colour, texture, lighting, and weathering. Scale refers to the proportion of the scenery elements to the trains and the track. Colour refers to the hue, saturation, and value of the scenery materials. Texture refers to the surface quality and detail of the scenery elements. Lighting refers to the direction, intensity, and colour of the light sources. Weathering refers to the effects of time, weather, and use on the scenery elements.

Realistic scenery can create a sense of immersion, realism, and depth in a model train layout. It can also provide interest, variety, and contrast to the trains and the track. Realistic scenery can also challenge and reward the modeller’s creativity, skill, and patience. Realistic scenery is not only a visual element, but also a storytelling element that can convey a mood, a message, or a history.

Planning your Scenery Design

Planning your scenery design for model railway trains is an exciting part of creating a realistic and visually appealing layout. Whether you’re a seasoned model railroader or just starting, there are techniques and materials available that can help you achieve impressive results without requiring advanced artistic skills.

Here are some essential tips for planning and creating realistic scenery for your model railway:

1. 1. Analyse Available Space and Create Your Scenery Plan:

• • • Begin by creating a drawing of your scenery plan using pencil and paper. Consider the available space, layout shape, and any specific features you want to include (such as hills, rivers, towns, or industrial areas). Your plan will serve as a roadmap for your scenery construction.
    • Think about the overall theme or setting of your layout. Are you modelling a rural landscape, an urban scene, or something else? This will influence your scenery choices.

1. 2. Create a Detailed Track Plan:

• • • Once you understand your space, create a detailed track plan. This plan outlines the arrangement of tracks, switches, sidings, and other rail components.
    • Use track planning software or websites to visualize different layouts and experiment with track configurations.

1. 3. Sketch Scenery Areas:

• • • With your track plan in place, sketch out potential scenery areas on your layout.
    • Consider where you want hills, valleys, rivers, forests, towns, and other features.
    • Think about how these elements will interact with the tracks and enhance the overall visual appeal of your model railway.

1. 4. Choose Your Scenery Base:

• • • Select a flat and durable board as the foundation for your scenery. Extruded foam insulation board is popular due to its versatility and ease of use.
    • If you prefer an old-fashioned approach, consider creating open timber frames with strips of wood to form the principal contours of the land. Cover these frames with chicken wire and plaster cloth to provide a surface for shaping terrain.

1. 5. Gather Your Supplies:

• • • Once you have your scenery plan, make a list of the supplies you’ll need. Common materials include foam board, plaster-soaked cloth or paper, extruded foam insulation board, paints, brushes, and scenery materials (such as ground foam).
    • Visit a well-stocked hobby shop to find quality scenery products, structures (either kit form or ready-built), and other details.

1. 6. Form, Colour, and Texture:

The foundation of scenery design is creating realistic shapes. You can use various materials for this purpose:

• • • Form: Consider the shapes of the elements you want to create. There are various techniques for modelling terrain, buildings, and other features.
    • Extruded foam Insulation Board: This method is popular due to its versatility and ease of use. Extruded foam insulation board serves as an excellent base for your scenery. However, be cautious when cutting foam board with a hot wire, as it can emit toxic fumes. Work in a well-ventilated area or use knives and carving tools.
    • Cardboard Strips and Plaster-Soaked Cloth or Paper: Another option is to use cardboard strips covered with plaster-soaked cloth or paper to shape your landscape.
    • Colour: Choosing the right colours is crucial for realistic scenery.
    • Avoid Dark Browns: Soils are lighter than you might think, and layout lighting can’t match the intensity of sunlight. Opt for a medium tan in flat latex wall paint—it works well for model railroad scenery.
    • Thin Latex Paint: Thin the latex paint about 50-50 with water to cover uneven surfaces effectively.
    • Ground Foam: Ground foam (shredded and dyed foam rubber) is a favourite material for creating grass, foliage, and ground cover. Manufacturers like Woodland Scenics and Scenic Express offer a variety of grinds (from fine to coarse) and colours.

Creating a Realistic Base for Your Scenery

Creating a realistic base for your scenery is an important step in making your model look convincing and natural. A good base can enhance the details and colours of your scenery, as well as provide support and stability for your structures and vehicles. Here are some tips on how to create a realistic base for your scenery.

• • • Choose a suitable material for your base. You can use wood, foam board, cardboard, or plastic as your base material, depending on the size and weight of your model. Make sure the material is sturdy enough to hold your scenery and can be cut and shaped easily.
    • Cut and shape your base according to your layout plan. You can use a ruler, a pencil, and a hobby knife to mark and cut your base to the desired shape and size. You can also use a hot wire cutter or a saw to cut thicker materials. Try to make smooth and even cuts to avoid gaps and cracks in your base.
    • Add elevation and contours to your base. You can use layers of foam, cardboard, or papier Mache to create hills, valleys, slopes, and other features on your base. You can also use sculpting tools or sandpaper to carve and smooth out the shapes. Make sure the elevation and contours match the terrain of your scenery and look realistic.
    • Cover your base with a layer of plaster or papier Mache. This will create a smooth and uniform surface for your scenery and hide any seams or imperfections in your base. You can use ready-made plaster or mix your own with water and plaster powder. You can also use strips of newspaper soaked in water and glue to make papier Mache. Apply the plaster or papier Mache evenly over your base and let it dry completely.
    • Paint your base with a suitable colour. You can use acrylic paints, spray paints, or airbrush paints to colour your base according to the theme and season of your scenery. You can use a single colour or mix different colours to create variations and effects. You can also use washes, dry brushing, or weathering techniques to add depth and realism to your base.
    • Add grass, dirt, rocks, and other details to your base. You can use various materials such as flocking, static grass, sand, gravel, pebbles, twigs, leaves, etc. to create realistic textures and elements on your base. You can glue them directly to your base or use scenic cement or spray adhesive to secure them. You can also use scenic scatter or ground foam to add more colour and variety to your base.

Adding Ground Cover and Vegetation

Certainly! Adding ground cover and vegetation to your model railway train layout is essential for creating a realistic and visually appealing scene. Here are some techniques to help you achieve that natural look:

1. 1. Base Cover with Latex Paint:
      • • Once you’ve laid out your track and shaped the topography (hills, valleys, etc.), use latex paint to cover every area of ground you plan to show on your layout.
        • Mix and thin the latex paint with water.
        • Choose paint colours that simulate the appropriate ground for your location. For example, tan for a desert scene or green for grassy areas.
        • The shades don’t have to match exactly; they just need to blend realistically.
        • Your base cover helps tie different patches of ground cover together.

1. 2. Selecting Ground Cover Materials:

• • • Ground cover materials can include various options:
    • Bare Earth: Use actual dirt (dry and free from bugs and plant life). Sift the dirt to remove larger debris, then bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for an hour to kill seeds and bacteria.
    • Grass and weeds: Use static grass or scatter material for grassy areas. Apply it in patches and at random places.
    • Weeds, Vines, Bushes, and Small Trees: Use materials like polyfibre, lichen, or coarser ground foam.
    • Vines and Shrubs: Coarser ground foam materials can be added for small bushes and shrubs.
    • Lichen: Lichen is thicker and larger, making it suitable for representing larger vegetation.
    • Flowering Plants: Add small flowers using tiny model flowers or other suitable materials.

1. 3. Static Grass:

• • • Static grass adds realism to your layout. It comes in various lengths and colours.
    • Apply static grass using an applicator tool that charges the grass fibres with static electricity. This makes them stand upright like real grass.

1. 4. Application Techniques:

• • • Apply ground cover materials in patches and at random places to mimic natural distribution.
    • Glue the materials onto your layout using white glue or scenic cement.
    • Experiment with layering different materials (such as static grass over foam) for added realism.

Remember that realism is key when adding ground cover. Observe real-world vegetation and

Incorporating Water Features and Water Effects

Modelling water on a model railway layout can be both challenging and rewarding. Whether you’re creating a tranquil river, canal, or bustling dock, there are various approaches to achieve realistic water effects. Here are some ideas and techniques to consider:

1. 1. Photographic Realism with Waves: ‘St. Ives’ Layout

• • • Paul Fabricius designed the “St. Ives” layout in his spare bedroom. To create the sea, he used drone photographs with nice wave patterns.
    • He manipulated the image in Photoshop, printed it on A3 gloss photographic paper, and stuck it to the baseboard.
    • The waves were made by thinly squeezing clear mastic (builders’ adhesive). After shaping them with a coffee stirrer, paint them with ‘Woodland Scenics’ White Water Highlight.

1. 2. Dockside Realism: ‘Boston Frodsham’ Layout

• • • Inspired by an article in Traction magazine, Mike Knowles created a dock layout set around 1975-1985.
    • The swing bridge (shortened to fit the available space) is a key feature.
    • To create the water effect:
    • Paint the board tops a suitable mucky green-brown colour.
    • Cover with two or three coats of PVA glue (test first to ensure it dries clear).
    • Form ripples using Deluxe Materials Making Waves applied with a fine brush held almost parallel to the surface and dragged backward to create ripples.
    • Finish with additional coats of PVA and gloss varnish.

1. 3. Quayside Charm: ‘Harlyn Pier’ Layout

• • • The “Harlyn Pier” layout is a 7mm fine scale ‘0’ Gauge model railway built by Peter Beckley. It is an imaginary extension of the Padstow branch, serving a ferry terminal on a quayside. The quayside setting provides an excellent excuse for short sidings and a cramped track layout, while still maintaining a believable appearance. The layout features a double-track mainline with a through station that has four platform roads, two of which are bays. Additionally, there’s an engine shed and a small goods yard that can be shunted independently, adding extra interest to the trains passing on the mainline.

If you’re interested in seeing more, there are videos available on YouTube showcasing the “Harlyn Pier” layout.

Adding Final Details and Finishing Touches

Certainly! Adding final details and finishing touches to your model railway layout is essential to elevate its design and bring it to life. After all the hard work you’ve put into building your layout, these magical touches can make a significant difference. Here are some suggestions to consider:

1. 1. 1. Grass Tufts: Grass tufts are a wonderful way to add depth and realism to your model railway. You can choose from an expansive array of colours to match any season or colour palette. Clump them together to create bushes or spread them out for added texture.
      2. Foliage and Scatters: These are easy tools to instantly enhance your scenery. Use foliage and scatters to add algae near the seaside or shrubbery alongside your train tracks. They provide depth and interest to your grassy landscape.
      3. Flower Grass: Static grass is the foundation of your scenery. Consider using summer flower static or autumnal grass to create meadows or add splashes of colour. Real-life meadows have a variety of plants, different shades of grass, and patches of flowers, so mimic this diversity on your layout.
      4. Weathering Powders: Weathering powders allow you to add everyday grime that accumulates over time. Use them on locomotives, tracks, coal staithes, and even buildings for a more realistic appearance.
      5. Modelling Muds: Whether you want a wet muddy patch or a dried coarse pathway, modelling mud can help you achieve that realistic look for muddy paths or pig sties.
      6. Trackside Scatter: Ready-made details like signs, fences, or small structures can make your trackside feel more realistic and lived-in.

Remember that these final touches are where creativity shines—

Conclusion and Next Steps in Your Model Train Scenery Journey

You have learned the basics of model train scenery, from choosing a scale and theme to creating realistic landscapes and structures. You have also explored some of the tools and techniques that can enhance your model train layout, such as weathering, lighting, and sound effects. But your journey is not over yet. There are still many ways to improve your skills and expand your creativity in this hobby.

Some of the next steps you can take are:

• • • Join a model train club or online community. You can share your ideas and experiences with other enthusiasts, get feedback and advice, and learn from their projects. You can also participate in events and exhibitions, where you can showcase your work and see what others have done.
    • Read books and magazines on model train scenery. You can find a lot of inspiration and information in these sources, from historical and geographical details to tips and tricks on various aspects of scenery making. You can also subscribe to newsletters and blogs that keep you updated on the latest trends and innovations in the hobby.
    • Watch videos and tutorials on model train scenery. You can learn a lot from watching how other modelers create their scenes, from planning and designing, to building and finishing. You can also find tutorials on specific topics, such as how to make trees, rocks, water, bridges, etc.
    • Experiment with different materials and methods. You can try new things and see what works best for you. You can also mix and match different elements to create unique and original scenes. For example, you can use natural materials like moss, sand, or pebbles, or you can use recycled items like cardboard, plastic, or foam.
    • Challenge yourself with new projects and themes. You can always improve your skills and knowledge by taking on new challenges and exploring new possibilities. You can try different scales and eras, or different regions and cultures. You can also create scenes based on real or fictional places, such as famous landmarks, movie sets, or fantasy worlds.

Model train scenery is a rewarding and enjoyable hobby that can bring you hours of fun and satisfaction. It is also a hobby that never gets old or boring, as there are always new things to learn and discover. We hope that this guide has helped you get started on your model train scenery journey and that you will continue to enjoy this hobby for many years to come.