Mike Gascoigne's Blog

Well, you are right. 

 

Backscenes are one aspect of modelling that it is easy to be critical of, but a sod of a job to get right. I'm on my fourth go at one, and tbh I'm not entirely happy with it. If you buy one the folk recognise it , if you make one its a lot of work sitting in a photographic program on a comp. 

 

If you want a very good example of getting it right have a look at Wenlocks Blog. Then read back at the effort that went into getting it to blend in that well. Not easy. 

 

I tend to think that urban scenes are a bit harder, you are always fighting with perspective. That said , it can be done , look at Lime steet. 

 

Another observation. You want a really critical view,get a non modeller to look at it.  I have just spent a month creating 8 foot of Edwardian tenements. My friend completely ignored the trains and pointed out that her granny would never have put a heavy curtain over a net curtain. 

 

Ho hum .... 

Ha ha!!! Such is life. Thanks for your comments DJ. I shall take a look at your suggestions. Is it possible to see your work on here? I find I learn so much from viewing other folks work, whatever the level of expertise.

I blog a bit;

 

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/blog/2091-kelvinbank-a-caledonian-railway-project/

You are right in that urban scenes are harder, luckily for me mine is open countryside, as I have a large number of trees it has been easier to create perspective by making those at the year flatter so that I create layers diminishing in size toward the back, this also helps in reducing shadows on the backscene itself.

 

I always view and photograph any work from the left, right and centre before fixing anything in place, view blockers are then used to ensure the perspective looks right from all angles.

 

I usually do show the photographs to non modellers and some have thought they are real places, if I can do that then I know I've cracked it but it has taken me a long while to achieve the look I want and there are still areas to work on.

 

Jim

I agree with all of the above comments, yes how many superb models are let down by the back scene and it is indeed a sod of a job to get right. The one thing I find most annoying is poorly fitting and tatty bits of card that seem to have been stuck on as an after thought.

 

For my current project I will be using the less is more principal for the back scene and should it turn out looking like it's been edited out then so be it, at least it won't be a perspective nightmare!

 

John

You are right in that urban scenes are harder, luckily for me mine is open countryside, as I have a large number of trees it has been easier to create perspective by making those at the year flatter so that I create layers diminishing in size toward the back, this also helps in reducing shadows on the backscene itself.

 

I always view and photograph any work from the left, right and centre before fixing anything in place, view blockers are then used to ensure the perspective looks right from all angles.

 

I usually do show the photographs to non modellers and some have thought they are real places, if I can do that then I know I've cracked it but it has taken me a long while to achieve the look I want and there are still areas to work on.

 

Jim

Hello Jim.

Any examples of your work on here? I agree with your middle paragraph, in that perspective has to be engineered to look effective from all angles. That is a tough call, especially if the 3D object you are attempting to portray is in the foreground. Often I have compromised painting the item from an almost face on viewpoint.

Lighter tones in distant areas will always help to create depth. 

I agree with all of the above comments, yes how many superb models are let down by the back scene and it is indeed a sod of a job to get right. The one thing I find most annoying is poorly fitting and tatty bits of card that seem to have been stuck on as an after thought.

 

For my current project I will be using the less is more principal for the back scene and should it turn out looking like it's been edited out then so be it, at least it won't be a perspective nightmare!

 

John

Yes John. Less is more in scenery painting. My sporting equivalent is the referee... if you don't notice him he's had a good game! Do you have any examples of your scenic work on here? I like to take good ideas and incorporate them into my own work.

Hi Mike

 

My work can be found on my 'Hemyock' layout thread which can be found on the following link.

 

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/60803-hemyock-down-on-the-farm/page-18&do=findComment&comment=3204817

Hi Mike

Unfortunately due to leaves on the line my current project is way behind schedule and due to my lack of computer knowledge I haven't worked out how to post photos on this site! But once I got to grips with it all there will be no stopping me. Hoping to get some modelling time in over the next few weeks I will keep you posted.

 

Regards John

Hi Mike Unfortunately due to leaves on the line my current project is way behind schedule and due to my lack of computer knowledge I haven't worked out how to post photos on this site! But once I got to grips with it all there will be no stopping me. Hoping to get some modelling time in over the next few weeks I will keep you posted. Regards John

That's the trouble with life... it always gets in the way of any good project. Look forward to seeing your work in the future. Thanks Mike