O Gauge Layout - Backscenes trial and error!

So the next part of layout detailing was fitting in the backscenes. I think this is one of the most important parts of the layout; a good backscene will transform the whole view of the layout, whilst a poor backscene really detracts from the overall picture, no matter how good the modelling on the baseboard. I had been putting off doing the backscene, as I was not sure how to proceed. I had already glued the foamex boards down onto the layout, so I had to fix the backscenes in-situ.

I had purchased the self adhesive ID photographic backscenes and the quality of the product is excellent. However, I did not think I could use the self  adhesive of the backscene, as the backscene was awkwardly placed in certain parts of the layout, meaning I could not slide the backscene into position. So I opted to use some double sided tape and lightly fix the backscene into place. A lot of cutting and measuring ensued to fit the backscene and it was semi successful, although there were a couple of bad joins between sheets. I left it for a week and over the week the backscenes settled a little (I think they might have swelled a little) and the wrinkles seemingly became more noticeable. In the end I decided I could not live with it, so I had a second attempt.

The first attempt - I was pleased with the overall effect, although there were some wrinkles!

As the backscene had been effectively unrolled, cut to size and tacked into position. I decided to remove the double sided tape and use the self adhesive backing. I removed the protective film from one end of the backscene and smoothed this onto the foamex board to act as an anchor. From there, I slowly removed the rest of the double sided tape and the peeled off the self adhesive protective wrap a few cm at a time, fixing the backscene down as I went. The end result was so much better and wrinkle free. There are a few blemishes here and there but these will be disguised by the addition of the buildings and further scenery.

The second attempt was much better!

So lessons have been learnt. On future layouts, I will stick the backscene to the foamex boards first and then glue these into place. However, the end result for this in-situ fixing is entirely acceptable and I am very pleased with it. I only managed to finish three of the baseboards in this way, so there is a further one to go today before it is all done. However, there are no excuses now, it is time to get those buildings glued down onto the layout and the really fun bit can start, adding in all the small details and cameos. The layout as a whole has now been put away until after xmas, although I can bring down individual boards and work on these in the evenings. So hopefully more progress to report soon!

O gauge layout - quay front and fiddle yard progress

Recently, I have had the layout set up in the lounge, which has allowed me to progress some key elements of the layout. The next really big task to undertake was the water at the quay front. I started off attempting to achieve the water affect using the AK interactive Atlantic water gel. I applied a couple of coats of this using a small trowel and a paintbrush. I had not used this product before or really attempted to model water, so I was keen to see what I could achieve. The first finish using the Atlantic water gel would have been fantastic for a warship diorama but the effect was too glossy and the blue too rich for the quay front. The glossy nature of the finish contrasted too sharply with the matt finish of the quay front stonework.

First attempt at the quay front water.

So I experimented with the AK Atlantic water gel, by diluting it a little with water and adding some lighter blue paint mixed into the gel. The outcome from this was the most lurid toothpaste colour blue! So further coats of the Atlantic water gel were applied, to get rid of this light blue and I was then back to square one! I then opted to pour a lot of Woodland scenic water over the top of the AK water gel. The end result, whilst not perfect, is one that I can live with for now. There is a little bit too much variation in the colour of the water and the blue could be toned down a little. However, I think I have got my head around how to use the Scenic water and blend this with a better base coat. For now, I am going to move onto the backscenes and revisit the water effects in the new year.

The impact of pouring the Woodland Scenic water over the top of the AK Atlantic water gel. The reflection of the stonework is great, although the water displays quite a lot of variation in its colour at present.

The end result, whilst not perfect, I can certainly live with for the time being.

Another task that was finished off last weekend was the testing of the fiddle yard. A quick bit of soldering was required to allow the powerbus from the layout to connect to the fiddle yard. It was great to have the layout set up and give it a short test run. The fiddle yard worked really well and is a full 360 degree turntable. I need to add in some guard rails to protect the rolling stock, but this should be a quite a quick job. For now at least it is operational, which means I can finally use the layout at home.

Fiddle yard set up with the powerbus attached.

The fiddle yard has 3 roads for the layout operation.

Fiddle yard exit onto the layout.

So this weekend, the big task is to attack the backscenes. This is another job I have been putting off for a while, as I am not sure quite how to fix the backscenes in place. I have some Deluxe Models View Glue ready to use or I can try to use the self adhesive on the back of the ID backscenes photosheets. An alternative I have been pondering is using some double sided tape. Tonight I will get the backscenes out and have a proper think about it, before giving it a go tomorrow. The foamex sheets for the backscenes to be adhered to are firmly glued in place onto the layout, so this is an in-situ installation which will add a little to the complexity (cursing!) of getting this bit right! In my opinion the backscene is one of those things that makes or break a model railway - so fingers crossed I can get this bit done correctly!

A class 25 spotted from the quay front.

A class 25 doing a bit of shunting around the platform.

The class 25 heading towards Barnstaple with a short engineers train.

Other than that, it was great to run a few trains on the layout and test the track a little. Some of the curves are pretty tight, although it is all just about manageable. I am looking forward to getting these backscenes installed, so I can start the final leg of the layout detailing.