People Add Realism To A Layout

October 14, 2010

Make sure any vehicles and rail crossings are from the right era. One idea is black washing the grilles and hubcaps to add depth and realism. Using a small brush you can also paint tail-lights, parking lights and door handles if needed.

Then consider taking the cars apart and install drivers and passengers. Nothing looks more fake on a layout than vehicles seemingly driven by invisible ghosts! You can purchase miniature figures in male, female and child variations all molded in ‘flesh’ color. The arms must be attached by gluing. Then the figures can be painted. Sometimes, the figures won’t fit between the steering wheel and the seat. It sounds a bit cruel but you simply cut the legs off with pliers and they fit just fine.

Use flat (rather than glossy) model paint to make painted clothing and hair look real. Keep things to the right scale relative to the trains. More ideas in my Model Train Help ebook.