St. Michael's Hill Model Railway Ep.10 - Building a Backscene

The layout has been missing something for quite a while and it was time to put it right! This video follows the process of building the backscene. I talk about how I did it, the options I have to choose from and also shows trains running for the first time on my TH-cam channel which is a massive leap forward!!
St. Michael's Hill is a member of the Model Railway TH-cam Community Group
/ mrycg

[@TonyDocksStation]

It’s surprising how much difference even just the sky blue makes. Nice work!

[@stmichaelshill7421]

Thanks mate. And I totally agree, although now it's made the sides look in even more need of something!

[@medwaypeninsulaMR]

Shows how the simple option sometimes works best. Backscenes are something I am thinking about a lot

[@stmichaelshill7421]

Yeah I'm thinking about the one for my next layout. Unsure about the plain blue or a picture backscene from someone like ID

[@alnahudycentral3254]

A back scene really sets off the railway, you can get some good running shots now that you don't have to worry about the radiator or other things in the background, I was going to suggest a mirror to for your water section, but it looks like john carvill beat me to it, or you could make it a canal with a pair of lock gates at the end to finish the scene. Ive got the exact same problem on my river section, and racking my brain for ideas. Great update too :)

[@stmichaelshill7421]

Thanks very much mate. And yeah, it really helps that there isn't a radiator in shot anymore. Although I really need to sort the ends out now!!

[@LNER1946]

I used some Metcalf kits to sick on the backscene, just flat. gives a little more depth. Glynn

[@stmichaelshill7421]

Good shout Glynn, I'll pick one up and do a little experimentation.

[@williamsworkshopuk]

Ah, the backscene makes the layout look much more cohesive - well done! I would suggest that you have some lights (maybe one of those LED strips?) pointing downwards right up against it though, to remove the shadows cast by your stock on 'the sky' (see 10:58) - or at least have something like a retaining wall or hedge to mask it.

[@stmichaelshill7421]

Yeah - I noticed the shadows and was thinking about how to get rid of them. I'm eventually planning to build a facia and frame which I'll try putting some lights into as you suggest!

[@williamsworkshopuk]

@@stmichaelshill7421 indeed - careful that you don't introduce more shadows by having lights only at the top-front tho :)

[@johncarvil498]

Backs scene looks great, why not try a mirror at the back of the river so it will go on forever...............Cheers John.

[@stmichaelshill7421]

Hi John! Thanks for idea - something that might really work! I'll have an experiment!