When I was building my shelf layout, I tried to make it as realistic as possible. I handlaid code 70 rail, built turnouts with operating switch stands, ballasted roadbed, buried uncoupling ramps, detailed buildings, and added a seamless, sky blue, tempered-hardboard backdrop. I also built a fascia with shielded illumination to create the effect of a diorama. The result, however, failed to satisfy me; the 16"-wide by 12-foot long layout still looked like a shelf, lacking the sense of realism I wanted.
I needed a more detailed backdrop to add depth to the layout, but I thought that hills, fields and trees painted with my dip and dab technique would be insufficient. Buildings seemed a simple solution, so I started by kit-bashing a couple industrial building kits into flats to…
