How to Design a Model Train Scene

Choose a time period and geographical area for your train to travel through.

Pick a locomotive and cars from that period and location.

Get an architecture book from the library and look at buildings from that time period.

Select a season of the year. You'll want flowers in spring and summer, colorful foliage in fall, and barren deciduous trees and even snow in winter.

Find out what kind of trees populate the area you want to re-create if you want to be really specific.

Get model trees that look like native species, as well as buildings from that area, at the hobby shop. If you want, build them yourself with balsa wood and paint.

Add a tunnel or a drawbridge to your scene if possible. It's exciting.

Add a rail station. Include figures in period dress. A working grain elevator, where appropriate, is usually very impressive.

Make sure any model cars and rail crossings are from the right era and to the right scale relative to the trains.

Use slopes and inclines to add interest.

Vary the shades of green for your grass, bushes and trees.

Cover most of the scene with greenery or roads and buildings or colored gravel. Avoid making it too busy, but leave no open spots where, in real life, there would likely be activity.