I am in the process of building my most "permanent" layout. I have never done anything in the way of scenery and am ready to start. Frankly, not sure where or how to start so I haven't. I realize I need to just do it. Any suggestions on what a good first project would be? I just need a push to get me going.

thanks,

Michael

Just a year and a half ago I was just beginning like you. It was tough to get going, but after the first section of table was built, I was off on a mission. If I had it to do over again, I would have taken more time and a different approach to build my ultimate layout table at first, rather than a main table with two later additions. Present table a triangular shape 24 x 14 x 20.

On my next layout, if there ever is another, I'll take more time to research and plan before I jump into the building process. The wiring configuation needs much planning and thought to avoid a wiring mess. I'm satisfied with my layout overall, but next time I'll build more of a modular table system with maximum depths of 4' or so with sections going along the sides of walls, leaving all areas open for clear access. This forum is a great resource for someone like yourself starting the process.

Good lcuk!

Start small.

Pick a small area say, 1 to 2 square feet, that will maybe have just a patch of trees and grass.

Paint the sides of your rails with rust paint.

Glue down some ballast.

Cover the area with ground foam blends.

Plant some trees.

Put some rocks in.

Maybe a dead tree is fallen on the forest floor?

Maybe a group of scouts have set up camp and are being visited by a bear?

Keep going till you are happy, but stay in the 1 or 2 square feet.

Then pick another 1 or 2 square feet....

I'm in the same boat. I started with this month's token freight platform build. These guys will keep you motivated for progress.

Have you thought about what type and where you would like industries or Passenger Stations? Blocking out buildings or platforms may be a good way to start. While you are doing that research trees, ballast and ground cover, and establish a budget.

Kurt

I agree with all the suggestions so far. Especially, the start small suggestion. I would also suggest that, depending on your layout style, if it's around the wall, you should start against the wall and work outwards. If it's an island style, start in the middle and work outwards. This way you are not having to work "over" the scenery you've already installed. But, again, pick small areas and keep expanding, one step at a time.

First step for me would be to buy a few of CSX Al's magnificent trees and plan a whole section around those:



</end-shameless-plug>

John

I would start by setting some goals. How realistic do you want it to be? What location and railroad will you model? What era will you model? Do you have a theme in mind? What industry will you include? Passenger, freight or both? How much space do you have? What is your budget? Then, I would do a track plan and share it with folks on the forum, before you buy anything.

What I usually see in layout building is: 1. Plan 2. Benchwork 3. Trackwork, power and switches 4. Accessories 5. Scenery and buildings 6. People and details

I forgot the most important part ... trains! Fit them in where ever you like.

George

Thanks for the suggestions. What do you think the best "how to" resource is? What is the best book that covers various techniques?

Starting on a 'blank' layout is like a writer having writer's block, it's just to much to comprehend all at once! Follow the suggestions of starting small and I always start in the background areas. As your skill gets better you get closer to the foreground areas. You can always go back and redo an area. I also have a trick tool that I use when working on a 'blank' layout. The 'blank' layout actualy detracts from what I'm trying to work on so I use an empty toilet paper tube like a telescope. I peer through the tube so that ALL I can see is the small scene I'm working on. The scene is isolated from the 'blank' layout.

The most important part though is to not fret over anything, just have fun! Scenery is NEVER done, it's only a WORK IN PRGRESS! Russ

Johnboy, thanks for the plug

Russ, I can hear your wife now, "Why are you saving all these toilet paper tubes?"

Well said, Gizzmo.

MSP, a great source of infomation: How to Build Realistic Model Railroad Scenery 3rd Edition - By Dave Frary.

Dave wrote the bible on the water soluable scenery method.

Dennis