Secret Genius Trick: Use Photos to Maximize Layout Depth... and Realism

[@frankshimkets5000]

I like to save old scenic calenders. I have cut out certain scenes (trees, mountains, lakes etc.) and used them as backdrops for photo shoots. They really make the photos pop!!!

[@ThePixelDepotLLC]

Really great idea that I’m probably going to steal!

[@Penn-ReadingIndustrialDivision]

Excellent trick and techniques!

[@B-and-O-Operator-Fairmont]

Easily the best photo backdrop I have ever seen. Nice work!

[@ThePixelDepotLLC]

Wow, thanks! 🙏🏻

[@derekalexander4030]

Hey Joe, you did a great job and the backdrop looks awesome.

[@ThePixelDepotLLC]

Thanks! It won’t be the last one I do, I’m sure. 🙂

[@briantofflemire7056]

Great job, it looks really good. It's always good to see a new video. I can't wait for the next one

[@ThePixelDepotLLC]

Thank you very much!

[@davestrains6816]

Backdrop looks amazing. Nice tips and thanks for sharing. Dave

[@ThePixelDepotLLC]

Thanks for watching!

[@scotabot7826]

When the time comes, I'll be in touch for a wooded backdrop. Thanks for the video!

[@StevesTrains]

That turned out great Joe!

[@ThePixelDepotLLC]

Thanks, Steve!

[@joedelusso1415]

Great job Joe..👍 makes a big difference..

[@ThePixelDepotLLC]

It really does.

[@TheyMakeItLikeThat]

Looks fantastic! I can’t wait to try printing a backdrop once I get a vinyl plotter at work 😜

[@markwakeley3835]

Good job, Joe. Not only does it look pretty good but you're also found the perfect music that sort of captures the feel of the moment. Bravo

[@ThePixelDepotLLC]

I paid more attention than usual to background music for this one. (Often I use next to none.) So thanks for that comment!

[@edfannon1119]

great to ave you back Joe..

[@ThePixelDepotLLC]

Great to be missed!

[@tct855]

Joe~, Great idea and job there brother. Very cool indeed! Thanx Thom...

[@jonathangreenlees4772]

Heya Thom! Good to see you here!

[@ThePixelDepotLLC]

Thanks 👍

[@tct855]

Hey brother. 👍@@jonathangreenlees4772

[@tct855]

👍@@jonathangreenlees4772

[@jasbirchandigarh]

Awesome background and a great tutorial.

[@ThePixelDepotLLC]

Thanks!

[@milepost33]

Great video! I totally agree and your backdrops look great. I've used a similar technique on my layout and it adds so much interest and realism.

[@ThePixelDepotLLC]

Thanks so much! 😊It's amazing how such a relatively small change can have such a big impact!

[@JohnB9474]

Absolutely top notch work, Joe. You have infinitely more patience than I!

[@ThePixelDepotLLC]

Thank you for the compliment, but I’m not so sure about your estimate of my patience!

[@carltonbirds]

Really nice 👍

[@Crookedriverandeasternrr]

Wow Joe that looks great! Nice work as always

[@ThePixelDepotLLC]

Thank you! I’m happy with how it turned out.

[@roydrink]

Great background! My question, are we going to see more of the Grunge? I’m planning a shelf layout and got some good ideas from previous videos. Thanks!

[@ThePixelDepotLLC]

That's the plan! I struggled for a long time trying to come up with a topic that wasn't "just another kitbash video." And I have. But, (surprise, surprise) I still have to kitbash the structure. You can see it in the background of this video. So it's at least underway.

[@thecnwmondovilinepaulscota7304]

Very nice, and look much easier to install by yourself than the commercial 18" tall backdrops, like I used. But I also installed mine before building the benchwork. I agree, it's definitely like night and day!

[@ThePixelDepotLLC]

I do have a tall commercial backdrop to install, which represents a concrete plant (not prototypical, but I think it'll look the part). I'll let you know how that goes when I do it.

[@ChristopherPalmieri]

Great tutorial!

[@ThePixelDepotLLC]

Thank you!

[@CharmCityChamps]

Joe, Would love to see a track plan for that layout. I am designing that exact area north to towards the scrap yard but in 3 rail! Thanks!

[@ThePixelDepotLLC]

You can find the plan here: www.chessiemctd.com/latest-track-plan/. That section is at the top left. The page actually lies, it is NOT the latest track plan. There is a lter version, but I haven't updated the page yet. Hope this helps!

[@BN-1991]

Joe your background looks great. I’m like you Joe I can’t find a back drop that suit me. I’m going to have to reach out and see if you can help me. Thanks Roy

[@ThePixelDepotLLC]

I'm here!

[@mikemunley9563]

Thank you, great video. I may have missed it but what type of printer were you using? Inkjet seems to work but usually requires sealing with some clear coat. Coler lazer printer would be nice but they a much more expensive printers to purchase. RSVP.

[@ThePixelDepotLLC]

Hi Mike. Yes, I did use a color laser printer. As you say, if you were to use an ink jet printer you’d need to carefully seal the sheets. And I’m not sure I’d recommend it without being really careful. I should also mention that the labels I used are designed for laser printers.

[@robot7759]

Too bad the last track is so close to the wall. The photo backdrop is great, but personally I prefer to blend it in with half relief structures, trees and such. Even if it's at the expense of some track. Choices, choices 😊

[@ThePixelDepotLLC]

As you said, sometimes tough choices have to be made. Normally I wouldn’t go that close Unless the track is hidden because, as you said, I think things look better when you can blend with scenery and structures. But in this case there were no structures on the prototype, either, since a road runs along the yard.

[@jeffreyshryock]

Joe, would you sell that same backdrop?

[@ThePixelDepotLLC]

Sure. Drop me an email.

[@sparky107107]

did you print 10 copies of each for all us people that are just going to say I want one ?

[@ThePixelDepotLLC]

I, uh, did not plan that far ahead…