Hi Missy,
Good to see that you and Highclere are here at last, I am most impressed with the Pannier is it reworked the same way as John Greenwoods articles in MRJ ? (I think thats the right name) The tank wagon is also a work of art............well the whole layout is come to that.
Backscenes as you say can make or break a layout, get it right and it opens up a whole new dimension. I was advised to go for a low horizon and lots of sky. So as to give a feeling of depth and space. Whatever you should decide to do then I am sure it will be up to your high standards.
Shame I can't view the Q1 yet but it will be something to look forward to.
Cheers,
Geoff