| Creating realistic scenery is the part that pulls | | | | invisible ghosts! |
| your model railroad layout together and brings it | | | | You can purchase miniature figures in male, |
| to life. Little details can make a big difference, as | | | | female and child variations all molded in 'flesh' color. |
| many spectators will spend a lot of time watching | | | | The arms must be attached by gluing. Then the |
| the trains operate, so they will get to notice the | | | | figures can be painted. Sometimes, the figures will |
| little things that add to the overall effect. Your | | | | not fit between the steering wheel and the seat. |
| visitors will get see the vegetation that grows | | | | It sounds a bit cruel but you simply cut the legs |
| alongside the track and notice the signs on the | | | | off with pliers and they fit just fine. Use flat |
| buildings and the weathering techniques used on | | | | (rather than glossy) model paint to make painted |
| the trains. | | | | clothing and hair look real. |
| Tunnels and a bridge will add interest to a model | | | | When buying adhesives for joining scenery, there |
| train layout. You will need a rail station too. Put | | | | are several choices in hardware stores and hobby |
| operating signals at crossings. Use either a set of | | | | shops. They are not all suitable for the same job. |
| crossing flashers or a flasher and drop-arm | | | | When building scenery try using an acrylic matte |
| combo. Kids (and adults too) are mesmerized by | | | | medium or white glue as both of these modeling |
| these 'lights and action' items. | | | | adhesives are water soluble. However, a |
| Other ideas like a working grain elevator, water | | | | contact-cement may be more suitable in some |
| tower, coal loaders, or a control towers help | | | | applications. |
| complete a scene. Be creative, but specific, when | | | | If you are going to use white glue, you may want |
| making scenery for your model railroad layout. | | | | to dilute it with water using 2 parts glue to 1 part |
| Make sure any vehicles and rail crossings are | | | | water, or a 1 to 1 ratio, depending on its |
| from the right era. One idea is black washing the | | | | application. Try adding a few drops of liquid |
| grilles and hubcaps to add depth and realism to | | | | dish-washing detergent as this will help break up |
| the scene. Using a small brush you can also paint | | | | the surface tension of the water. Another |
| taillights, parking lights and door handles if needed. | | | | thought is to add a small dab of latex paint to tint |
| Then consider taking the cars apart and install | | | | the glue and help hide any bare spots. |
| drivers and passengers. Nothing looks more unreal | | | | Always keep scenery, buildings, people and |
| on a layout than vehicles seemingly driven by | | | | structures to the right scale relative to the trains. |