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Painting Your Layout

Daniel models O scale and asks:

“I realize my question is a matter of preference, but would like feedback. Have created a large layout, but can’t decide on a basic overall paint color. Any suggestions or experience would be appreciated”

8 Responses to Painting Your Layout

  • Kenneth Seegert says:

    I used a light mustard color so where ever your scenes are it does not take much blending in i.e. dirt, country, town, or industrial.

  • Danny Marso says:

    When I built my bench work,I painted the top Flat green,so with grass it would blend in .

  • Frank B says:

    What is the theme of your layout ? Town, industrial, docks, desert, forest, mountains, ?

  • Don Jennings says:

    Daniel O scale Are you painting the layout (table) or a locomotive? It makes a big difference for painting. Can you be more specific in your question.

  • Daniel says:

    Thanks to all for suggestions. To clarify, I am painting the layout board that is 1” foam board. Trying to get a base color that can be accented as desired. Theme is mostly town and industrial. No mountains or rivers planned at this point. Looking for a dirt / grass look. Thanks again.

  • Tim Morlok says:

    I like to start with a light tan or light brown as a base coat and then add other colors and/or ground cover to match the different scenic areas on the layout. If you use plaster for any of your hills or mountains, I would also tint it the same color while mixing so that if it gets chipped or needs to be carved after it sets you will not have white spots that must be touched up.

  • Daniel Grubb says:

    I have an O gauge layout. I want to remove an elevated trestle line and planned to replace it with a Woodland Scenics foam system of risers and inclined. Until, I found out that the system wasn’t designed for O gauge. Riser width doesn’t match roadbed. Anyone out there who has tried that system ? Thanks.

  • Donnis says:

    Most folks use a cheap laytex paint either white or brown for their base … others will use greens, or greys depending on the area they are modeling. Good luck and have fun!!

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