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Should I wait to acquire the needed photos for the backdrop to build a scene? Scenery and structures
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Prolific poster 2,874 posts kleaverjr Prolific poster 2,874 posts
kleaverjr

I would like to build the scene this bridge will be in, but it will be at least a year before I am able to go out to take photos of the Allegheny River which this bridge will cross near Franklin, PA (which is north enough as to not block any navigable channel in the river).  The photo backdrop is important as it is the best way to have the river go "into" the backdrop as I am not a good enough painter to make the scene believable.  Has anyone built the scenery to up to a few inches of the backdrop and later inserted the backdrop photo and then matched everything up?  Because I am using a sectional/modular design, I can acccess the backside of the scene to insert the backdrop.  My concern is making it all match.  I figure I can make the river wide (or narrow) enough by using photoshop.  Any thoughts? 

Thanks again!

Ken L.


(Note: this bridge is jsut sitting on existing (soon to be removed) benchwork from a previous version of the P&A, and the block of wood that is on top is to keep the top plate that is made of 1/2" MDF together, as it is in two pieces.  It will be removed once the bridge is in place and has a firm base underneath it)

 

 

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rickwade Prolific poster (deceased) 6,447 posts
rickwade

Build or wait for backdrop?

Ken,

Nice bridge!

I've done what you described in that I've put in something on my layout and held it off the backdrop until later to finish the scenery.  The reason that I've done that is that I wanted to run trains in that area ASAP and didn't want to wait until I can do the backdrop.  The issue is that when working "over" something on your layout you always take the chance of damaging the forground scenery when doing the backdrop afterwards.  You also lose the ability to "test fit" everything first; that is, temporarly taping the backdrop up, set the bridge in place, and study how it will look.

Now, my personal opinion:  You said you are talking about a year - that you absolutely can't get the pictures you need for a year.  If it were me, I'd get things running now and do a rework when I got the backdrop pictures.  I know others will probably disagree with my opinion and I'd listen to what they have to say and make your own decision.  Hope that this helps.

Rick

Rick

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trainman6446 Frequent poster 668 posts
trainman6446

the bridge

If that bridge was sitting on my layout waiting to be used, I would want to use it right away.Since you are able to access the rear of the scene, I would go ahead and complete the major components. The width of the river is known, also where the river banks are. You can complete most of the scenery now and fill the rest in after the photos are installed.

Tim S. in Iowa
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