Whats the best way to do scenery? Before structures are done in that area or after? I just don't know if I can do my scenery if I'm not totally positive where the buildings will be. Also, is it a good idea to glue structures to the layout or just have them setting there?
-Joe
The scenery and the buildings kind of go hand in hand, Joe. I basically just rough in the scenery leaving unfinished spots for buildings, then finish the scenery after I have an available building that suits the scene. It's not the best method, as I often have to remove some scenery to make a building fit. If you have specific buildings in mind, and know the basic measurements, I have seen some modelers just make a cardboard mock-up of the building to put in place till the real building is available.
As far as gluing the structures, most of them will stay put just if surrounded by ground cover and other scenery. Buildings that are in a spot that might get bumped are best secured by a dot of latex caulk in each corner. This will keep them in place, yet allow you to easily pry them up if you ever want to move them.
Whats the best way to do scenery? Before structures are done in that area or after? I just don't know if I can do my scenery if I'm not totally positive where the buildings will be. Also, is it a good idea to glue structures to the layout or just have them setting there?
-Joe
I think you need to rough in the scenery and then put in you buildings. Roughing scenery shouldn't be that difficult since you should have some idea of what you want to put in and where you want to put it. Besdies most areas aren't really flat anyway so you either have to modify the structure to fit or modify the roughed in scenery to make it fit the structure.
My biggest delima is that a lot of the structures have to be scratch built. I have about 85% of the buildings where I want them but I still need to finish them with roofs and details etc, but I still have about 15% of buildings that I don't even know what are going to look like. I suppose the best thing to do then is to rough most of my scenery and rip some up as I build new structures. At least that's what I've done on past layouts, I just figured there would be a better way with less waste. I'd like to have a more or less complete-looking layout for the time anyway.
-Joe
If the last 15% are urban buildings, you can plan your cityscape to fit the buildings, marking streets and such based on which ones fit best.
But if they are out in the country, I agree with BikerDad that cardboard or Styrofoam mock-ups. Even if in the city, mock-ups are a great idea, because you can move these lightweight props around to your heart's content until it looks the way you want it without worrying about fingerprints or breaking off detail parts.
But if they are out in the country, I agree with BikerDad that cardboard or Styrofoam mock-ups. Even if in the city, mock-ups are a great idea, because you can move these lightweight props around to your heart's content..........
Very ture indeed, plus it gives you an idea of where and how your grass/weed/dirt or concrete will fill in near the buildings. The kits should tell you how much space they require..............
Jacko
Powered by Drupal - Modified by Todd Vaules
Joined: 2004-09-22