Modellings tips and answers - Inspiration - Modelling hills in the background - Videos
Hello
Don't forget to read our latest modelling tips and unboxing videos located at the bottom of the newsletter.
This week in history
On the 17th of December 1924, the docks in the Bronx (New York) saw the first operations of a diesel-electric locomotive.
Tool of the week
This week's tool of the week is a twin pack of precision masking tape from Modelcraft. This tape measures 10mm wide and each roll contains 18m of tape. Precision masking tape is ideal for modelling, airbrushing, brush painting and any other modelling tasks where masking is needed. Its precise and intricate masking ensures no paint bleed or annoying paint lines and is U.V. protected for masking in direct sunlight. See the full range of masking tape by clicking on the picture.
A view to a hill
Backscenes portray many scenarios, and one of the most common is a landscape featuring hills. But don't think that all hills are the same because there are many to choose from.
One consideration when choosing a backscene is the length of the backboard it has to cover. Many backscenes are part of a series that combine to continue a scene. So if you have a long layout, choosing one of these will allow you to cover the entire length without repetition.
Another consideration is how tall your backboard is. Some backscenes are available in different heights, so if you see one that you like, but is too big or too small, it's always worth checking if the same backscene is available in a more suitable size. A good example of this is the OO gauge 'Hills and Dales' backscene, available in both 9" and 15" tall variations.
Using a backscene to anchor a layout is not uncommon. The 'Rockies' and 'Lanberis' backscenes, for example, accurately portray their namesakes, however, these kinds of backscene are often also used to portray Alpine regions as well as places like Scotland. So don't assume that just because a backscene has been given a specific name, it can only be used for that specific location.
Next, think about perspective. The hills on the 'Forest Hills' backscene appear closer than on a lot of other backscenes giving the impression you are looking up at the hills. In contrast to this, the 'Old Mill Town' backscene features a town in a valley giving the illusion you're looking down. You should ask yourself which effect works best for you.
Most of the backscenes are also available for N gauge. Click on this link to see the full range in OO gauge or on this link to access the full range in N gauge.
Once you've negotiated the minefield of choice and have chosen a backscene, it's time to think about how you're going to blend it into your layout. For the best results, it is a good idea to use a distraction or obstruction to forbid the eye from detecting a sharp contrast between the layout and backscene.
The usual technique for this is a small embankment or wall sited immediately in front of the backscene. This way the eye will be tricked into believing there is some sort of drop on the other side, therefore, giving the illusion of distance between layout and hills.If using an embankment to do this, it doesn't have to be very big to achieve the desired effects, an inch or two will suffice. Such a feature is relatively quick to install and can be easily fashioned from 'Shaper Sheet', which you simply fold unto the right shape for your needs.
How you dress your embankment is up to you. There are plenty of scenic models and materials to make light work of it. Hedgerow, for example, can be made from either bush scatter material or hedgerow strips, fencing can be sourced either bare or ready-covered in foliage and Seafoam can be used to represent convincing middle-distance tree cover.
Backscenes do a fantastic job of omitting a room's back wall from a layout, when done well, they add depth, realism and perspective to a layout too.
Modelling tips
We keep on adding modelling tips to our website. Here are the latest ones:
- How do I glue plastic models to a diorama covered in scatter?
- How do I recognise a 21 pin DCC socket?
- What are Seafoam trees?
- Can I mix code 100 and code 75 track sizes?
- How do I strip paint from a model safely?
Unboxing videos
You want to know what is inside the boxes of modelling products? We open them for you! Subscribe to our YouTube channel to be notified before everyone else or simply click on this selection. Please note that videos are at the bottom of each page.
- 176 - Vollmer N gauge embossed card sheets for walls, streets and paved areas
- 177 - Faller FA151070 Service station personnel HO gauge
- 178 - Expotools 71530 Mini wire bending and shaping tool
- 179 - Noch N15220 Waiting passengers figure set HO gauge
- 180 - Airfix A04023 De Havilland Mosquito B.XVI kit in 1:72 scale
Do you need to order?
Send us an email or give us a call to check availability or to reserve anything, whatever scale you model in. As usual, if we do not have in stock what you are looking for, we will order it for you and you will get it fast (usually within a week if the manufacturer has it in stock). We place weekly orders with most suppliers.
Remember, you can park for free for one hour on the High Street or for as long as you want on the Esplanade. So no excuse not to come and visit us!
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Isle of Wight
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