Cheap Model Railroad Backdrop hack that looks awesome!

Bulletin Board Paper(affiliate)-amzn.to/3wZZzuW
Paints (NOT THE SAME PAINTS)
amzn.to/3NGwfQV
amzn.to/38Xbl1o
amzn.to/3wWHjDZ
amzn.to/3wZZV4K
Sponges(affiliate)-amzn.to/390zsMx
Clump Foliage(affiliate)-amzn.to/3wY5MZS
Connect with me at [e-mail]
Support the Channel on Patreon - / diyanddigitalrailroad
Amazon Store - www.amazon.com/shop/diyanddig...
Etsy Store - www.etsy.com/shop/DIYandDigit...
Facebook - / diyanddigitalrr
Instagram - / diydigitalrailroad
TRAIN SETS
N Scale Train Set - amzn.to/33TzsbS
HO Scale Train Set - amzn.to/311N17g
O Scale Train Set - amzn.to/3lAZCGu
G Scale Train Set - amzn.to/312Cn09
3D PRINTERS
Elegoo Mars 2 - amzn.to/3yopRaS
Creality Ender 3 V2 - amzn.to/3DOuKei
CAMERA
Sony ZV-E10 - amzn.to/3IK9pX1
MICROPHONE
Rode Wireless Go - amzn.to/33ipqDf
Rode Smart Lav - amzn.to/3dN6ChI
LIGHTS
Aputure Amaran 100D - amzn.to/3ELlysm
Aputure Amaran MC - amzn.to/3ER8Vfw
GVM 480LS 2 Light Kit - amzn.to/3EOTTGY
MOTION CONTROL
MOZA Aircross 2 Gimbal - amzn.to/3oNb4TG
MOZA Slypod E - amzn.to/3dMWtkQ
Channel Merch - teespring.com/shop/diy-digita...
Consider donating the PCOS Challenge to help women everywhere with PCOS
pcoschallenge.org/
“The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.
But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.
Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall;
don’t be happy when they stumble.
For the Lord will be displeased with you
and will turn his anger away from them.
Don’t fret because of evildoers;
don’t envy the wicked.”
Proverbs 24: 16-19 NLT

[@ronbianco5919]

Look at you going all “Bob Ross” With your happy little trees 🌳 painting technique😁

[@andycrawford9870]

Nicely done. But painting on a carpeted floor - you are a brave man!

[@brianvarty4051]

Awesome background guitar music

[@atshinkansen7439]

I just might use this idea! One recommendation I would make would be to mount the sky paper on a thin sheet of MDF or something, and then attach that to the back of the layout. That way neither the wall nor the backdrop get marred or damaged if you need to relocate the layout. It will also keep the backdrop straight and wrinkle-free when you go to mount it!

[@dkaustin98]

I found a "new to me" product to use for a sky backdrop. It was an experiment to avoid bending Masonite and dealing with the weight of the Masonite. Lowe's and Home Depot sell a product called RAM Board. It is a heavy paper product used to protect floors during remodeling. It comes in 35', 50' and 100' foot rolls. So, I bought a 35' roll, a blue label gallon of Kilz and a gallon of Summer Sky Blue satin interior paint. Out in the backyard, I threw a 4x8 sheet of plywood up on my sawhorses. Laid out an 8' length of RAM Board on the plywood. Using a sharp box knife and a long straight edge I cut it to height. I live in a high humidity area, so I sealed both sides of the RAM Board in Kilz. Kilz dries fast in the sun. All I needed was 16' of sky backdrop. Once the Kilz had dried. I then painted the Summer Sky Blue on one side of each 8' panel. Once that had dried, I rolled it up to take back into the train room. By myself I was able to hang the RAM Board to the walls behind the bench work. Since it is flexible, it was easy to bend it through the corner. The RAM Board feels like a heavy canvas now, but much less weight than Masonite. It has been up for about a month now and there are no issue. It looks good!

[@chrisenglish3837]

interesting! I would like to see a picture of your creation.

[@dkaustin98]

I had to edit this post. For some reason Gator Board is on the brain. The actual product name is Ram Board.

[@robertnessful]

That looks great. One thing to consider, hit the edge of the mountain tops with some green paint so they look a little less like corrugated cardboard.

[@rwissbaum9849]

It might be worth the expense of buying mat board (about $9 for a 3x4 sheet) - this gives a solid edge without corrugations to paint, but it adds cost.

[@rwissbaum9849]

Jimmy, if you get a blue that nearly matches the sky blue color, you can add successively more blue to the greens and make a mountain profile that will appear to fade into the distance: use a pure (mottled) green in front; behind that, place a mottled green with a little blue, and behind that, place a mottled green with even more blue. The green mountains appear to fade into the sky, giving a great forced color perspective look.

[@gailyncookMilwRR]

Really works great I used this about a year ago. My wife is a Teacher and found this at a school supply store. Cutting it in half I used a plumbers tubing cutter, it made a perfect edge on both parts! Best part is when I needed more the second roll the color matched perfect! I painted thumb tacks light blue to match color for mounting on the wall

[@melkitson]

I was surprised at the end result. When you started working on the hills I thought you were headed towards an insane asylum! This and the cloud background really works.

[@squidkid2]

That made a big improvement in the scenery. It's like a finishing touch.

[@TheyMakeItLikeThat]

I can’t believe I have t seen that paper before!! That looks great!!

[@IceMan0003]

Kinda reminds me of Andy's bedroom from Toy story!

[@chrisridd9423]

The hills are a clever solution. And if you need to reprofile them a bit, get the scissors out!

[@acrranscaleandlifejourney4330]

This is great for those of us in apartments. Thanks for sharing Jimmy. Really great idea.

[@skerbs7755]

And those like me who have layouts in duplex garages!

[@donaldshroyer8633]

What do you think about using thinner cardboard to avoid the ragged edge on the top of the mountains; or at least apply some of that green paint to the top edge?

[@sturnie1]

Why not just use the command strip pads vs double sided tape you can just remove them no damage to the wall

[@mariner3485]

The price is right! I think I'm going to go with that as a first attempt for a 'painted sky' behind cut out printed backdrop mountains. Thanks! It may be all I ever want!!!

[@richardbedard1245]

Before starting scenery, I would have fastened the "cloud paper" to a thin sheet material, then mount that to the wall. In my head it works!

[@tomdelese760]

great simple work. Loved it

[@4everdc302]

Darn slick Jimmy!🚂🇨🇦🇺🇲🙋

[@ajknaup3530]

Terrific video, great ideas; thank you!

[@geoffwilcock1519]

This has really helped move me on. I couldn’t get my head around the back drop. Cheers Jimmy.

[@rodneybosco7376]

Great idea. I’m wondering if it might be easier to mount the paper on foam board first and then just tack the board in place on the wall?

[@jayflint6055]

This is brilliant. Makes a huge difference in your layout. Ordered my materials this morning! I’m about to start a new layout will be able to hang the backdrop before the benchwork goes in.

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

To be honest, I had my doubts when you started painting cardboard for those hills. But, after seeing them at a distance, they look pretty good. You don't see very much detail at that distance in real life. Also, for everyone out there, be careful with cardboard! I sliced a chunk out of my finger Sunday cutting up a box for recycling, not with the knife, but the sharp cut edge of the cardboard!

[@petermenningen338]

If you can find an old electric knife it will make that cut easy, also both soft and hard foam

[@doncarlton4858]

Wow! I'm very surprised it looks as good as it does! I never would have considered this, but now I am! You can't beat the price!

[@bobainsworth5057]

Well done the railroad looks like it settled in the mountains..

[@SCGNiagara101]

We like how your train display is not just on a table but angled into the corner. Very unique. We're trying to incorporate something similar in our den...

[@johnknippenberg-LandmarkYards]

Awesome shortcut, thanks!

[@TheyMakeItLikeThat]

I can’t believe I haven’t seen that paper before!! That looks great!!

[@davidpope1735]

I used this and am very pleased. I used my chop saw to cut the entire roll at once and it came out very smooth. Thank you for the info.

[@StevesTrains]

Wow, that looks really good. The cardboard background hills look great from a distance. I wonder if attaching the backdrop paper onto some cardboard with spray adhesive and then hanging the cardboard up might make it easier to get a wrinkle-free version. Of course, that might end up being an exercise in frustration with getting permanent creases or tearing it or whatever since spray adhesive is tricky. There is a box place not far from me where you can not only get any size box you want, but also buy large sheets of flat cardboard, I think as big as 4x8 feet. It isn't very expensive and a lot cheaper than say a 4x8 sheet of hardboard or MDF, and a lot lighter. I've bought the cardboard sheets before when I've needed to make my own shipping boxes, but never thought about using them for other things...it might be interesting to do something like that just so I can set it up as a temporary backdrop for videos...hmmm.

[@ericwilliams1023]

MMRR sells those. They are my favorite shop...10 minutes from the crib.

[@robmaciver5093]

This is the best practical project advice I've seen in a long time -- maybe ever! Kudos!

[@bluesman285a]

Jimmy, I think I am going to use this and spray mount it to some 2' x4' x 1/4" backing board then trim the top with razor blade. Then attach the backing board. This was real helpful idea. Thanks again for all you post....

[@jamesburba1995]

That is absolutely fantastic ! Such a reasonable, and easy backdrop treatment. Thank you Jimmy !

[@oldhick9047]

Just ordered two rolls, thanks

[@robertschworm6036]

Jimmy, How about spreading wallpaper paste on the back side and allowing it sit to sit a bit so that the paper relaxes. Then book the ends together so you have a manageable piece to work with. Once at the end of the first section then hang the next section with a bit of an overlap and trying to align the pattern so it matches up. then with a sharp razor knife, carefully make a vertical cut, going thru both layers of paper, in a bit of a squiggly line ( so the eye does not catch this cut, like professional wall paper hangers do. Wallpapper is about 27 inches wide, so this would make it much easier to handle. Another tip is to set a horizontal laser line across the backdrop, and then align the pattern of the second paper to that of the first and maintain a level hang to the paper to keep it from running off of center. IF you have to cut around shelf supports and other objjects, then a manageable piece of paper is ideal. Otherwise you have a 12 foot piece of paper flopping all over your benchwork. Bob S

[@johnathanlewis2049]

Looks great!

[@tczephyr3665]

I don’t know if this would work for your project but I’ll just toss it out. When I had to have flat scenery like where the mountains met the bottom of the backdrop, I added the clump foliage and then took some Woodland Scenics tree armatures and without bending them I added foliage to the branches and glued the flat trees to the backdrop in various places. Nice work on the backdrop

[@manshedrailroad]

I'm so glad that I watched this video because I've been hanging onto a roll of cloud backdrop paper that I didn't know how to cut. Now that I've seen how to cut it I can finally finish my backdrop. Awesome work!!!

[@greyfoxtrains3244]

That is a great idea. I’m working on a basic O scale layout for running trains and this idea would add so much to the depth and overall presentation.

[@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569]

Very convincing, Jimmy. I like your solution to the need for a backdrop. ...Roy

[@ralphgreenwood5857]

Awesome Ideas Jimmy! I will check out the bulletin board paper!👍😊

[@kennethoriel7463]

Good idea! You could use a chop saw to cut the roll to length. Also, be sure to put the cut edge down to hide any imperfections.

[@skerbs7755]

This video has given me a lot of inspiration. Thank you for creating it. When looking at your final product it definitely gives me the feeling that I am in western NC! Thanks again!

[@LTBROYT6A]

Looks awesome Jimmy !!!

[@alankjkj1]

I'm glad I watched your video. Great idea thanks for passing it on.

[@jasonboche]

Very nice job!!

[@jhoodfysh]

Thanks for introducing me to this product Jimmy. Your sponge technique looks very good. The end result looked terrific.

[@barrysmith8193]

Just ordered mine on Amazon for$19.00. It’s called “lite blue with wispy clouds”. This is a great value in terms of cost effectiveness and appearance. Thanks for the heads up.

[@oldgrumpyhunter]

Looks good, Jimmy. Thanks for sharing. You may have just solved a couple issues I have with my layout. :-)

[@donaldkormos5529]

Looks cool Jimmy ... good idea! Hope you & family have nice holiday ...

[@greeneyedggirl]

It looks awesome Jimmy!!!

[@UnionCentralSystem]

Great information. Thanks!

[@NJEsperantist]

This is a great idea for the artistically challenged among us. I recently did something similar but easier for a shadowbox style display case I made. Michaels had 'cloud' posterboard for the sky. For the hills I used breen construction paper and ripped it into the hill shapes. One side of the construction paper I spray painted a darker green. Using the lighter green hills for the more distand hills gave it some depth and it was easy.

[@MacTrom1]

Hey jimmy. Thanks for finding this and doing the video. I’m in the process of extending my little layout and this will be my new background design.

[@stanleym2679]

Great idea

[@griddlemethis8804]

That was a vey good how to fix at a cheap price!

[@ronaldclemons1206]

Very nice, very inexpensive backdrop!👍

[@markarnold8160]

Great job Jimmy! Road perspectives are tricky to create. I've spent plenty of dollars on Train Junkies backgrounds but these sky papers will be useful.

[@martytaylor2004]

👏Bravo!! Great idea.

[@kend3900]

Brilliant !!

[@DiggerEvans]

that does look good

[@thomasdecker7631]

Very nice, Jimmy. Although my hills will be less pronounced, (My part of Michigan is much flatter) the method will apply perfectly. Great video. Thanks much.

[@TheLEMRR]

very effective and budget-friendly

[@Steelerfan820]

Looks okay dont like repeating clouds ive tried this before

[@georgetrains6168]

That is very cool

[@cabinvibesebaystore8956]

Thank you 🤩🔥

[@erniebellinetti7590]

As others have said - brilliant idea! Even though I model in S-Scale (mainly American Flyer) I have found a lot of useful ideas in your videos. So I decided to become a patron. Looking forward to more great ideas in the future. E.F. B’

[@NYandAtlantic]

Excellent video I know what era im gonna run in just haven’t found that scene that made me start model railroading uggh

[@billclark81]

I like this layout. Can you provide advice on how to get an empty bedroom, or really my spouses permission to use the empty bedroom.

[@bobainsworth5057]

Painting on a white floor? My o my!

[@geesharp6637]

Impressive.

[@rogermahler9686]

Jimmy, you could probably use a power saw to cut the roll in sections (rolled) If you take your time.

[@larsolsson8220]

Great!

[@vincenthuying98]

Hey Jimmy, what about some tree flats? Also, on blending towards the backdrop, it really adds to the illusion of depth when one allows just a tiny gap which goes downward from the higher 3D perspective. It forms a natural shade and a kind of coulisse of extra view lines. Anyhow, for a setback of just $30 you definitely added to the illusion of depth on your layout. Cool 😎 vid!

[@jimkammerer5240]

VERY GOOD VIDEO THIS A VERY NICE LAYOUT VERY COOL INDEED THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS WITH ME JIM KAMMERER OF PHILADELPHIA PA 👌 😀 😊 👍

[@westernstatesrailroading]

Try a carpet cutting blade and holder....very sharp and works great. Be careful 😉

[@mkivpanzer]

Brilliant!! I had my doubts about the card board cut outs at first but they really blended in great. I will be using this it solve a BIG problem on my RR. What Kind of Light do you have mounted on the wall for your RR? My lighting needs help. Thanks for a great idea!

[@GelatoTaco]

That looks shockingly good! One technique I might add for making mountains seem further away is to get a sky blue color paint, water it down into a very thin wash, and repeatedly apply that to the mountains. Whenever something like that is far away you can see the color of the sky start to wash out the color of the structure and make it seem kind of faded

[@skerbs7755]

My children mentioned something like your comment also. When I try this technique I think I will try to add some blue in the distant mountains.

[@NicksCollectableCreations]

I tried this on my layout 10 years ago ( 4th video on my channel from 2012 this can be seen in the back ground). I have seen other layouts with this. The downside is the clouds are repeating so there is some Bob Rossing to be done to fix it.

[@gamepad3173]

in my case I'd be going for a Garden sized railroad with natural backdrops. Including using rocks as mountains, sand as a desert, huge amounts of plants as trees, and of course designing various logging railroads.

[@nedmerrill5705]

I like your technique. I will try it out. I think I will spend a bit of money to get some Styrofoam board instead of cardboard, though.

[@johngamiles2541]

Jimmy ... this is an absolutely amazing idea! The same company has a similar product called Wispy Clouds which goes from clouds to a faded white. How did you decide to use Clouds vs Wispy Clouds? Has anyone else used the Wispy Cloud paper roll?

[@davidf9630]

GREAT VIDEO JIMMY!!! I’ve been planning on some kind of “hillside” background for my Central Valley layout but this just solved most of my dilemma. I just need to order a roll of the (instant outside) paper. I was thinking about using a large cardboard box from a large appliance, but you’ve done it again! Thanks for posting this great video. Cheers

[@zedth2]

The other thing you could use is aquarium backgrounds. Though these can often be expensive.

[@KatoOnTheTrack1]

I used something similar from Hobby Lobby but yours is way more realistic. Their version is too dark of a blue. Looks like it matches the Walther’s back drops perfectly.

[@jackboren431]

The same company offers a version called "wispy clouds" which might be better for some layouts. It's the same 4' wide paper, with (based on their on-line photos) about the top foot being wispy clouds with some clear sky, the next foot down a hazy blue, and the bottom 2 feet a slightly streaky white/light blue. If these dimensions work for your backdrop it has the advantage of mimicking the common pattern of the horizon being lighter with the sky getting bluer the higher up you go. Most people would cut off part or most of the bottom 2' because it's too much of the same color, especially if they don't need the full 4'. This particular version is significantly cheaper than the one you link to, so not being able to use the bottom part elsewhere isn't that costly. Jimmy, maybe you'd want to link to that also so you get a bit from sales of that product also.

[@tonychudzinski3107]

Jimmy, what two sided tape did you use for this project? I didn't see the link for it in the description. Thanks for your videos I truly enjoy them!

[@davegink9222]

Would that double sided tape stick to a concrete block basement wall?

[@tiaedge562]

Tim says it transformed into a great background scene. But what happened to your old backdrop from the old layout maybe you could use it somewhere.

[@dlc54]

What is the Fadeless product number you are using? I see 2 different patterns, thanks.

[@bigalvision1782]

What is the brand of the double sided tape you use. Didn't see it in the links...

[@DeathByFishing]

FYI- Sheet metal shears/cutters work better without making the jagged cuts.

[@joem3968]

Is there anywhere i can download the files to put in Arduino to run my rail road crossing

[@joeraderblackrockcentralrr]

Not a bad solution

[@samanthahampton3060]

just wondering if i heard you correctly that you said the backdrop was $10. i clicked on your added link it went to amazon said it was $41.49

[@DIYDigitalRailroad]

Yes apparently there was a run on them after I posted the video. I will be making a community post that shows where else to get them.

[@MrMrfeenstra]

@@DIYDigitalRailroad 7/11/22 it's 29.95

[@ArfurrCrown]

Looks well what can one say 🤔