How to start with scenery?

[tayloss]

Hi all,

 

im fairly new to modelling and in need of some advice on what’s best to use on my  kind of a coal staging/offloading area that’s going to have a small platform on the left hand track and then a rough road area leading to around the back of the rails.. what should I use for this look most realistic? 
 

Also, on the hills in the back ground, should I base with scatter and add some static grass/bushes? What I though seems simple has me overthinking it!

 

i have some Sleeper Grime to weather the track and used a sample piece for which I was happy with! 
 

This is an N gauge layout and don’t have a era set as I want this to be my learning layout etc!! Plenty of those in this layout!

 

Any comment or help would be greatly received!

 

thanks,

chris

Edited November 20, 2019 by tayloss
Spell!

[Karhedron]

Are you looking for a small platform to load coal onto the locos? If so, Ratio do a nice coaling stage (complete with water tower) in N gauge. Here is one on my layout.

 

[JimFin]

On 20/11/2019 at 15:30, tayloss said:

Also, on the hills in the back ground, should I base with scatter and add some static grass/bushes? What I though seems simple has me overthinking it!

 

Good way to get a rough scrub effect is to use a hanging basket liner. Choose on of the fibre covered cellophane backed ones. Cut shapes to fit the terrain and glue down. Gives a very good base, just add a few bushes and clump foliage.

 

Its used round the field edge and by the mill buildings and canal on this N gauge.

 

[outcastjack]

raised coal staithes on the platform would look good.

I think scalescenes do staithes as part of their free weigh-bridge kit:

https://scalescenes.com/product/r024-weighbridge-or-coal-office/

 

the kit is a good starting point for structures and because it is a download, you can keep printing off new ones until you are happy with the result.

 

For other bits, hobby shop acrylic paint like you have already used makes a decent base for the road (and any areas of grass/bushes)

Hydrangea heads make nice easy trees, just top them with some teased out teddy bear/pillow stuffing (typically a few pounds for more than you will ever use) and spray paint them, before gluing on some flock/ground foam.

A similar thing with hanging basket liner teased out works really well for bushes and hedges.

sandpit sand or just dust from your garden makes a nice gravel effect.

 

And remember if you don't like the result, either start again or hide it with a bush! Unlike much of model railways, this bit does not cost a huge amount.