How to Make Model Train Scenery

Learning how to make model train scenery is one of the most important aspects of building model train sets. The scenery will really help the model train "come alive" and allow the entire scene to become more realistic.

Your railroad layout should already be complete when you start building the scenery. By this point, then, you will know where your train is supposed to be located, what its purpose is and during what time period it exists.

Scenery should be complementary to your train's purpose. For example, a train modeled to be a commuter rail in a busy city should have minimal landscaping with skyscrapers and cars around it instead of forests and rolling fields. European model trains should be located in Europe.

Depending on the size of your model, you can include a few different scenes along the tracks. For example, a city scene can include different neighborhoods, playgrounds, parks, etc. This will add complexity and detail to the scene and make your model more interesting for people to look at.

Your model will appear to be much larger if you incorporate various sizes of pieces in your scenery. Using smaller trees and buildings on the outside of the model and larger ones in the center will create the illusion of depth.

Model train scenery can be purchased or created in your own home. These household items can be used to make pieces of scenery:

• For snow, dirt and sand: Baby powder mixed with food coloring is a great substitute for the real deal.
   
• For boulders: Small rocks are perfect for boulders around mountains and forests.
   
• For mountains: Chicken wire arranged into a mountain shape and covered with paper mache makes a realistic mountain surface.
   
• For trees: Small twigs can be used to make trees without leaves. For trees with leaves, you can glue on small pieces of leaves or herbs.
   
• For stucco-like finish on the outside of a house: Tissue paper or toilet paper with a paper mache paste will create this effect.
   
• For slick surfaces like roads or ice: Wax paper makes a perfect frozen lake, but can be painted as a road as well.

There is no "wrong" or "right" way to make scenery. Be creative and experiment with other items around the house!