Use of backdrop when layout table placed away from wall

Hi Bill,

Do you plan to add scenery to both "sides" of the layout.  In other words will the side facing the two foot aisle space be scenicked or will it just be plain?

I plan to have access all around my layout but I intended to complete scenery along the "outside" edges.  What I contemplated doing is providing a slot into which I could place a "backdrop" when I wanted to photograph different areas. I would think that adding a permanent backdrop would restrict access to the interior unless you will use a ladder or a Topside Creeper.

All sides will have scenery.  I was hoping someone encountered this choice before and could explain how they dealt with it.  I considered your idea of a "slot" backdrop, but it is not something which would likely work for me.  I agree that the slot is a good idea, and I've seen variations of it especially in hobby stores.

I'm afraid it's either aisle or no aisle because my vision says a two foot gap will look odd although I have not tried it yet.

I would either leave the wall as is, or paint it as a sky.

I have painted the wall as a backdrop.  It still has a good effect in my opinion if viewed from the opposite side.  Get down low to track level and it adds a lot of visual.  Why not do it? 

Yes it works.  The sky is 18" behind the other scenery.  One advantage in fact is that you don't have shadows on the sky from scenery in front of it.

Kunde,

Thanks for the excellent example.  You have resolved my doubts.

Bill, Kunde's example is excellent.  But, one caution, be sure to place the bottom of the backdrop below your table height so you do not see a gap from your eye level when viewing it.  I would look at the wall from across the layout and have someone mark the lowest point on the wall you can see and then have the backdrop an inch or two below that (in case taller folks are visiting)

Just to follow up on what Peter said, the higher the layout the better  the backdrop will look. I painted mine  a fall hill and sky scene, then eventually filled in space with scenery panels that were removable.

Peter and Bill,

I appreciate your advice.  I'm going to keep the aisle and give this a try.