Model train scenery improves the appearance of your train layout.
It is what makes the entire display come to life.
It is quite easy to spend a great deal of money on your scenery, even if you build some things on your own.
For most hobbyists, the benchwork is the most fun and challenging part of the hobby.
The era and geographical area you depict in your setup will dictate the items you'll want to include in your scenery.
The more creative and imaginative you are in your designs, the more realistic your display will be.
When purchasing scenery items, it is a good idea to use different sources so you get some variety among the products.
Some of the items will require a bit of distressing to make them more realistic.
Expert modelers recommend getting "people" from various suppliers so they do not all look the same.
A large portion of your scenery can be built by you.
A lot of this depends on your creative ability and talent, and the amount of time you have to devote to it.
You do not have to be an expert artist to create your own scenery.
There are many simple tips and tricks for making some very impressive accessories.
For many of the major items like cars, people, and buildings, you may want to stick with products from ready-made suppliers.
However, when you start working on landscaping, roads, fencing, rocks, and trees, you enter the realm of the modeler and crafter.
If you want a true realistic looking display, you will need to make some items yourself that are not available from model suppliers.
Start out with free and inexpensive things readily available around your house.
Small rocks can represent large boulders Sawdust can be colored to resemble dirt or grass.
Crushed nuts are another commonly used material for making dirt.
Pecans and peanuts work quite well.
You need to crush them sufficiently in order to get the desired effect.
The lowly toothpick is a favorite for modelers.
The square ones have uses as well as the round ones.
Small wood scraps have many uses for scenery.
Modelers often use pinecones, acorns, twigs, and other natural items for a variety of items in their layouts.
Aluminum foil is glued and taped onto nearly every train setup in the world.
It can be molded to any shape, and it looks like metal.
One important use of foil is on the inside of lit buildings to keep the light from coming through the walls.
Many other simple items can be used to make your model train scenery.
The more you work on your layout, the more creative ideas you will come up with.
Take a stroll through your garage and your yard.
You might be surprised at what you'll find.