Thornycroft Backscene

As mentioned in this previous posting the backscene started life as a computer generated 3D model using Google Sketch-up. Using the virtual camera in sketchup we were able to create a view that would be used as the basis for the backscene. This took many attempts to get this to an acceptable view. We must of tried 5 different views, which were simple black and white wire frames, each one being printed out and tried in situ on the layout. This was made 10x worse by the fact that some model buildings carry on through into the backscene. We decided there was going to be no easy way to have a realistic scene that could be viewed from all angles, without some sort of distortion. However if the viewer was to be in the right position then it will look as though the model carries on "seamlessly" into the backscene, creating trompe-l'œil effect.

Final coloured in backscene

Once we were happy with the wireframe view, this was exported as an image file from Sketchup and then painfully "painted" with photoshop, using graphic textures we had previously used on the model building.
It was felt that a bit more skewing was required to force more perspective. Different light and shade was applied to give further illusion of distance. Once coloured in, this was again printed out, and tried on the layout. After a bit more tweaking, the backscene was finally ready to be printed.

The backscene is 120cm x 21cm, all of the previous test printouts had been on single A4 sheets joined together, but in order to create the final seamless backscene it had to be professionally printed.

Once back from the printers, the backscene was mounted onto the MDF backboard, using spray mount adhesive, trimmed to fit, and holes cut out where lighting is fed into the model buildings, and the track goes into the factory.Once slid into the channel at the back of the layout, the backscene finally finishes off the layout.

Backscene in place on layout

On the whole we were pretty happy with it. Something had gone slightly wrong with our measurements, in the fact that the white building on the right does not correctly align with the model. But overall we feel it gives a good impression of the factory.

The public début of our Thornycroft Sidings N gauge model railway, is scheduled to appear at: 

The Basingstoke & North Hampshire Model Railway Show 

Aldworth Science College, Basingstoke, RG22 6HA

Saturday 12th March, and Sunday 13th March 2016

Ed