Building Realistic Model Railroad Scenery

Kathy Millatt is a full-time modeller working across a wide range of modelling interests from model railroads to sci fi, but her first love is scenery. Kathy enjoys sharing what she does through books and videos. Kathy is a contributing editor for Model Railroader Videos with her Let’s Make a Scene series and has also been featured in Model Railroader and Railway Modeller. She also has a successful YouTube channel.

More recently, Kathy was a judge on the Great Model Railway Challenge, a UK TV show featuring model railways built in just 24 hours. Her other interests include cinema and travel, with great modeling inspiration coming from both.

Chapter 1: Planning
Every project starts with a good plan

Chapter 2: Basic tools and materials
We all love buying kits but what do you really need?

Chapter 3: Firm foundations
Fantastic scenery needs firm foundations

Chapter 4: Track
The main scenic model on every layout is its trackwork

Chapter 5: Backdrops
Backdrops help free our layouts from the confines of our basements or the edges of our dioramas

Chapter 6: Rocks and stones
Whether you buy them, cast them, or carve them, you're likely to need bare rocks

Chapter 7: Earth, gravel, and mud
Scenery starts from the ground up

Chapter 8: Roads and paths
Wherever there are people, there will need to be roads and paths running seamlessly through the layout

Chapter 9: Trees, bushes, and grass
Options abound for modeling almost any place on Earth

Chapter 1: Water
Whether you want a puddle or an ocean, these techniques will help you achieve your goals

Chapter 11: Buildings
Railroads need a purpose and buildings provide not only scenery but also a reason for railroad operations

Chapter 12: Details
The details we add set the scene and bring your layout to life