WOOHOO! Good weather = time to build

[nachoman]

A quick comment on backdrops...

It is conventional wisdom that the backdrop isn't supposed to be detailed so it doesn't distract from the trains. But, on a shelf layout, we certainly don't have a problem with building a backdrop flat, maybe 1 or 2 inches deep, greatly detailed, and placed right against the backdrop. So wouldn't a nicely painted building be essentially the same as a backdrop flat? So perhaps the standard wisdom isn't quite correct?

I think this is one of those "six of one..." things. Than again, backdrops themselves are a limitation, almost by definition, because it means your layout is not infinite. But, they are almost a necessity for an around-the walls approach. But, if you want to maximize your floor space and have as broad of curves as possible, around-the walls is the way to go. But that means you need a backdrop. My point is that I have seen excellent layouts done all sorts of different ways. I've seen building flats work very well, such as Ralph's layout, and I've seen some backdrops that equally serve the purpose. I guess the conventional wisdom is scenery gets painted on the backdrop, and buildings are made as flats. But, don't let the conventional wisdom stop you, because you are doing a first-rate job painting your backdrop.