Personalizing Your Model Railroad Layouts

However, if you choose to follow prototypes as you design model railroad layouts, it’s important not to get too hung up on copying every curve, building and hillside, because a perfect replica is practically impossible. That’s why master modeler Bob Hayden prefers using his prototype as a basis and not as the benchmark when he builds model railroad layouts, which was certainly true for his HO scale model of Maine’s Carrabasset & Dead River Railway. In this lesson, Bob talks with host Allen Keller about his inspiration and thought process when building this remarkable recreation of the C&DR, as well as a few of the expert techniques he used to put it all together.

Tips for expanding model railroad layouts

Bob begins his discussion on the techniques he uses to improve the realism of model railroad layouts by going into more detail on the benefits of avoiding perfection rather than seeking it. He explains how he was able to create magnificent landscape and urban scenery by basing his layout on a vision instead of a picture.

Then, Bob talks about a simple concept that has helped him on most of his model railroad layouts. One of the most essential techniques that expert modelers utilize on their model railroad layouts to make them appear larger than life is forced perspective. This basic concept of design is vital for adding depth and realism to model railroad layouts, and it takes a little bit of trickery to pull off forced perspective correctly. In Bob’s case, forced perspective was used to lend some extra attention to the farmlands near his backdrop. See how it works on yours!