The Importance of Backdrops

Hi Bruce! I must confess, I prefer the original (not edited) pictures, the sky looks more prototypical.
In the first picture the sky color is too blue; in the second picture the sky looks cool (seems a nice sunny day) but the clouds are a bit unnatural. Maybe a more accurate clouds drawing could add realism to the background increasing the value of layout panorama view

 

Hi Denny, welcome to the forum!

You caught me! I confess that I’m a hopeless armature at doctoring photos. The two that I used where done using the standard MS “Paint” to do the blue sky, and the clouds were done using both “Paint” (spray paint white) and “MS Photo Editor” (smudge effect on the white spray paint).

I agree that the blue in the sky is too deep, and too even (a real sky would have more variation in the blue color). The clouds were more of an artistic attempt on my part. I suppose I will have to study clouds a little better…

But I think it was pretty good considering the primative tools I had at hand.

If I had the right tools (like “Photoshop”), I suppose I could have done a far more convincing job. I would also have added additional background items like trees, mountains, etc.

The photos I doctored where only intended to serve as simple examples of how a background can change a scene.

Maybe this one is a little better? I went for the sunset look:



Okay, back to the drawing board?

 

Denny,
Welcome to trainboard and the layout design forum.

The photo back drop still looks much better than some of the painted efforts I see. Backdrops is the one area that a guy with a really good layout can still screw up. So if a photo backdrop looks good, go for it I say.

 

Thank you, and thank you Rick.

Oh, sure! I wasn't going to criticize you nice job. Taken for granted that a backdrop is necessary, I'm only going to tell my point of view

In fact it does change the scene. I like backdrops, even the simpler ones can turn a scene into a remarkable one. As Rick said, a photo backdrop could be the right choice. try to take a look at my doctored version, with real clouds



bye!

[ 31. March 2004, 13:07: Message edited by: Denny ]

 

Denny, nice work on my photo. What software did you use to do this?

 

thank you!

very quick, thank you I've just uploaded some of them on my rail images account.

the picture I've put in this thread is by the way Bruce's picture, which I edited.

 

I use Adobe Photoshop. But the clouds is a real photo, not a drawing!

 

I would have to agree that any backdrop is better than no back drop. Here's my example.
No matter how good the scenery looks, that block wall is a huge distraction.

Even a simple poster board backdrop makes a world of difference in pictures.

 

Just a simple sky and clouds background....with a CURVED room corner, on my new website just built a hour ago. (The website, not the layout.)

http://www.sci.tamucc.edu/~kanthony/Hom.htm

 

Kenneth, very nice job! this shows how a simple backdrop add depth to a relatively narrow layout.

 

Hi All:
Got a question for you. What do you think about the use of backdrops for modular layouts used for displays at shows? Our club periodically discusses their use and we're fairly divided in our opinions.

One group feels that putting up a backdrop isolates our folks, inside the layout, from the public. The reason we go to shows is to talk to folks, especially kids, and drum up interest in the hobby.

The other camp thinks the backdrops would make our layouts look better and so the public would show more interest in the hobby, especially our scale.

I think there's a balance to be reached, with backdrops that stay low enough so our folks can be seen easily by all from the ribcage up (as a for instance). These could be no more than a series of 1-2 inch deep warehouse builidng fronts, trees, or sky 6-12 inches high.

Whatcha think?
Ted

 

I've never seen a club modular layout without backdrops.

There are two problems with club backdrops you haven't discussed.

1) The same level of quality. Some guys are really lousy at backdrops and have very poor standards, so you see some really pathetic attempts in some of the modular units.

2) Co-ordination of backdrops of modular units so there isn't to bizarre a radical transition from one backdrop to another.

 

RSN makes some very valid points, backdrops on modular layouts can make or break the overall effect. At the last show I was at I was greatly distracted by inconsistant backgrounds, of assorted heights. This could be solved by either standard dimensions or a "backdrop design group" providing assistance and insuring uniformity.

 

The Memphis modular group specifies height and color of backdrop to insure uniformity.

 

PeterZ,

Is that Memphis group called the MidSouth Rail Runners? I used to live in Memphis up until the mid 90's and belonged to an Ntrak group there. Now I have just realized that you may not be in N Scale. So this may be a moot point.

 

Ted,

Are you talking about a larger scale layout? I could see how this would be a problem as the backdrop (sky boards) would probably obscure anyone from seeing you. It would also hinder you from addressing any problems that might occur on the layout.

I belong to an Ntrak club, and they have an 8" minimum with a 14” nominal standard. I’ve never really had a problem with feeling isolated in the “pit” while running/watching trains at our shows. I’ve always been able to reach over them to fix any derailments that might occur (hardly at all… ). In fact, I’d say that removing the sky boards would have a dramatically negative effect on the over appearance of the layout.

 

Mike,

No, I am in HO. I don't remember the name of the group, as it was about 1990 that I was involved. I still have a 6' module and 2' bridge built to the club's specs out in the garage. Never finished it. I guess I should find out if the club is still in existence and check on the current specs.