Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!

model scale railroad houses to construct ho scale n scale oo gauge

Is this Volkswagen Kombi van real, or is it a scale model?

Creating a scene for a model railroad layout is not unlike a film producer creating a realistic movie set. These days many of the scenes and props in movies are generated using computer technology so that the actors and actresses can perform near impossible feats in convincingly realistic settings. The eye often sees what it wants to see. This is something to keep in mind when creating a scene for a model railroad layout.

Back to the question – Is this VW Kombie van real, or is it a scale model? It is actually a scale model.

Is the road and paving real? It looks real, but again, it is part of a model railroad layout.

Is the sky backdrop real. No, it is a photographic backdrop glued to a wall.

What about the buildings? They too are scale models, and a part of a new series at https://www.modelbuildings.org/packa-background-shops-scale-models

Are the people real? A photograph of real people has been photoshopped into this layout scene, just to make the VW Kombi Van look even more real. The eye sees what it wants to see. The orginal plastic figurines of people (although they looked real) were photoshopped out for the purposes of this demonstration.

So, next time you are designing a scene for your layout, think of it like a movie set. Carefully build the scene one element at a time. Have fun!

2 Responses to Is this Volkswagen Kombi van real, or is it a scale model?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Add a photo or image related to your comment (JPEG only)

Reader Poll

Which scale of model trains do you operate or prefer?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION

Download Your Free Catalog

Use Tiny Railroad Micro Controllers

N Scale Track Plans

Watch Video

Model Train DCC HELP

Model Train Help Ebook

NEW TO MODEL TRAINS?

FREE Tour Inside Club

Take a FREE tour inside the club.

Scenery Techniques Explained

Scenery & Layout Ideas

Model Railroading Blog Archive