Backdrop (printed murals) is up with some final touches to be done as buildings and other scenery is completed. Next up is the lighting and then trackwork layout. In some of the scenes I cut out the portions I needed and laid them against a sky blue painted backdrop.

At the corner (photo 1) there is a disparity as there will be a larger mountain constructed that spans the "corner" and blends into the printed mountains on both the left and right panels. I did not worry about the bottom of the photo murals as they will be covered up by scenery and buildings. In addition, other photo buildings will be "razored" and inserted behind the half buildings against the backdrop to provide additional depth illusion. The pink foam you see as a second layer indicates an upper level for city and, on the left, an upper series of sidings and businesses.

There is one problem with photo mural back drops I encountered. (Mine were installed with photo paper adhesive.) These were a "Heller" product (Series 515, 516, and 517) which had three panels per box. The series DID NOT match consecutively! I had to cut and match similar mountain or village scenes which leaves a line that needs to be blended in with tall trees, smokestacks or buildings. It took two of us to carefully lay down the panels and "squeegee" them into place. CAUTION! If using photo murals and spray photo adhesive, once they are down, THEY ARE DOWN. You can smooth them slightly, but you cannot reposition them without tearing. BE CAREFUL. Also, some murals are on vinyl paper that can stretch, so check before you lay them down. We ironed the backside of my murals to help flatten them out before cutting and installing.

All in all, it looks good to the casual observer and when buildings and other scenery are in place, it will appear seamless. The backdrop is lightweight luan supported by 1x4 bracing, filled holes with wood putty, sanded and painted sky blue to cover areas where the mural does not extend. My railroad has (because of heating ducts) a 24" high and a 16" high backdrop area. A solid height across the expanse of your railroad might lend itself to a better use of photo murals.

Progress is being made. . . .