GNO South Western
Background

Above is a shot of the almost completed background painting. Unlike properly constructed model railroads, I decided to start on the layout before I had the background completed. Make sure you don't do the same thing. Backgrounds are much easier to install when there is no track in the way. Can you say, "Daahhh-eee"?

The frame work is made of 1 x 2s onto which is attached masonite boards. This surface is covered with canvus, which was glued on by soaking the surface with latex paint. No way I would do this method again. When the light is right you can see the seams where the masonite comes together. I filled and sanded the seams, and I was hoping the canvus would make them less visible.

However, after the wind blew the whole thing down during one outdoor painting session, the seams are even more visible because the masonite popped loose from the wallboard screws holding it to the 1x2 frame. The entire painting must weigh at least 30 pounds, if not more. I should have planned better.

The painting will rest on a 1-inch groove of space along the back edges of the layout and will be tacked against the wall so as not to tip or fall forward onto the layout. I'll have to have help installing the darn thing. Want to give me a hand? Send an email.

Sky was painted with cans of spray paint of the colors you see. I wanted something different from the traditional sky-blue, white-puffy-cloud look. It's supposed to represent near-storm conditions. The hills were painted by hand by first brushing on a base color as you see on the right, then going back with a brush to create the brush-covered hills.

Below are two close ups of the painting. I'll be back soon with more photos of the layout itself. Please check back. Don't forget to email me with any questions for suggestions. Your input is appreciated. You can also use the Contact Form. Thanks!

Progress

Here's is a quick photo of another two hours of painting I recently did (April 2, 2006). Almost done!