How Much Is Too Much of A Gap Between Layout and A Backdrop?

Like you i have only seen layouts with a backdrop right up against the layout - BUT - personally i think your idea would work perfectly fine.  If you consider that you'd be taking most pictures or videos from a low viewing angle, then the gap would be hardly noticeable. For viewing in person, even if your viewing angle is higher, i'd much rather look at a painted wall than cinder block or studs or shelves full of someone's personal stuff.  For a gap with a 2 foot distance i would consider a more subdued backdrop however so as not to draw attention to the gap, but rather compliment the layout and create atmosphere hinting of "something beyond".

I agree that the farther it is from the layout the taller it will need to be. If your layout is at shoulder level, this may not be a concern, but if its closer to waist level, the backdrop will probably need to go substantially lower on the wall than the layout height, unless your concern is for taking photos from a layout citizen's POV only.

I’m figuring the table top would be about 40” high.  

@mike.caruso posted:

I’m figuring the table top would be about 40” high.  

Mike, I had the same dilemma when I redesigned my layout. I added a shelf loop with a slight elevation to match the outer loop of the existing track. It was quite involved especially getting the correct design of the connecting track in the rear and gradually dropping the grade on the right so the track would meet with the curved hinged lift bridge. The rear distance is 17” from edge of table to front edge of shelf track.
In the pictures is the walking space and a view from my control station.
This may not be in your plans, but at least you get a good visual.

Gene

My layout is a walkaround. I painted my wall to look like distant hills. It’s about 20 ft. long in this area with 2 peninsulas. There is a 2 ft. aisle between the layouts edge and the wall. The layout is mostly viewed from and adjacent aisle. I believe the key into pulling it off is to have the dark green wall color extend to the floor. So the layouts edge sort of blends into it.  Not sure if you could pull it off with a city scene or even a commercial backdrop.

Would help if we knew the room size, layout size and possible track plan. In any event, any attempt from hiding the gap will only be somewhat effective when view from the front of the layout. Might also help if the track along the back of the layout was elevated? Once you get around to the sides the gap would be in view no matter what.

Mike,

I suggest you try and hook up with Dave C. I have seen his layout several times and he is truly a master at scenery as well as all aspects of the hobby. He is also a super nice guy and he is close enough for you to visit ( if you are attending the Big E and driving, you almost go right past his home).

@mike.caruso posted:

I’m figuring the table top would be about 40” high.  

Any reason you're building it so low?  I think the trains look SO MUCH better at 52-54 inches or so.  Your view is closer to track side as opposed to from a helicopter.

I agree with Cape Cod Northern, you should definitely arrange a visit to Dave_C's layout.

@Genemed posted:

Mike, I had the same dilemma when I redesigned my layout. I added a shelf loop with a slight elevation to match the outer loop of the existing track. It was quite involved especially getting the correct design of the connecting track in the rear and gradually dropping the grade on the right so the track would meet with the curved hinged lift bridge. The rear distance is 17” from edge of table to front edge of shelf track.
In the pictures is the walking space and a view from my control station.
This may not be in your plans, but at least you get a good visual.

Gene

That looks pretty good Gene.  I think one of the reasons that works so well is that the dominant backdrop feature — the mountains — are set so far back in the distance that your eye gets drawn away from the immediate edge of the layout way back into the depth of the scene.  And so the gap in front of you isn’t nearly as prominent.  That’s my amateur assessment anyway.  Thanks for the pics.

@Dave_C posted:

My layout is a walkaround. I painted my wall to look like distant hills. It’s about 20 ft. long in this area with 2 peninsulas. There is a 2 ft. aisle between the layouts edge and the wall. The layout is mostly viewed from and adjacent aisle. I believe the key into pulling it off is to have the dark green wall color extend to the floor. So the layouts edge sort of blends into it.  Not sure if you could pull it off with a city scene or even a commercial backdrop.

That looks great.  I get your point about extending the colors well below the line of the table top.  👍

@Bob posted:

Any reason you're building it so low?  I think the trains look SO MUCH better at 52-54 inches or so.  Your view is closer to track side as opposed to from a helicopter..

Probably because I’m so low.  LOL.  I think the garage layout I had back in NJ was about 40 -42 inches high.  I don’t have the largest wingspan in the world so I kind of built what felt comfortable for me, recognizing I have to reach across spaces to clean track, get at derailments, place scenery, etc.  I agree that viewing from a closer-to-the-ground vantage point is better than the aerial view.  Your helicopter “cockpit” however probably flies a lot higher than mine.