Using smaller , paler, less complicated items at the rear fills in the scenery but doesn't overwhelm the eye. Big, colorful buildings and trees at the front helps with the perspective in a subtle but important way.

John Allen would be proud of you! Excellent explanation. You have a natural talent for teaching.

I think your layout looks awesome and you demonstrate your views very well. I would like to share a few points about parallax relative to the Diorama or Model Railroad if I may. 😊 Parallax refers to a change in the apparent position of an object relative to a more distant object. It does not specify scale, specific distance, subject, selective compression, or even specific points of view which are constantly changing. Perspective is constantly changing in a dynamic way when we view our layouts up close and personal. Shelf layouts and Dioramas are wonderful opportunities to apply parallax and hyper compression. I think what you are specifically referring to is "maximum" parallax. Therefore, parallax in general is subjective to the individual and how they view their model regardless of the subject matter. You can have parallax in a diorama - like looking down an alley that is only two feet long but actually looks like two hundred yards - on a shelf layout. You can build in parallax effectively in a small shadow box as well - Island Layouts are not the last word on parallax. I think what you are talking about is your own subjective perspective concerning your personal layout in the context of "maximum" parallax. Respectfully, there are many cases of "minimum" parallax that are equally effective and should be included in your synopsis as well. Cheers ~ Boomer. 😁😉

You are so far ahead of the game!

Thanks Dave!! Well said! ....I continue to draw from you and your knowledge about creating my railroad. Keep doing what you do!! Your impact on the modeling community makes the difference for us all!!! Thanks, and until next time. See you soon.

Really excellent video. Thank you.

Your work and knowledge are a big inspiration to me while working on my own layout. Great video Dave, Thanks for sharing!

Thank you great information

I've inadvertently used a few of these principles on my HOn3 RGS...glad to hear you articulate them! They really do make the Thunder Mesa seem so much larger with those "sweeping vistas" we so associate with the West.

Fantastic info!

What a great idea and platform for a video, and it is something that so many modellers don’t think about. Thank you heaps Dave once again you never disappoint 👌👍

Better than a dozen roses and a box of chocolates! 💝💐😉

This makes me totally re-think my O scale layout.

Ok I think it’s time to petition Dave to get a bigger studio so he can expand this idea a little more, get the Thunder Mesa layout where he wants and then connect them with a fleshed out SF,D and C RR. I like the stand alone plan well enough but the Goldfield end would be neat to see to!

Dave another great video. . The family took a vacation to Grand Canyon, I can totally. See what you are talking about with persective

Very informative and helpful video!!!

All great tips. That I agree with wholeheartedly.

Ansel Adams F64 Club comes to my mind when I think of Scenic Depth.

I can use this info. I mean, no one's really accused me of being too deep....

Thank You, lots of good tips. I am in the middle of a new layout now and I will try the camera tip.

Wow, very interesting! Dave, you have definitely nailed those ideas in your layouts. No wonder they look so good! Will try and keep these things in mind on my build. Thanks for sharing!

Now that is something that appears easier to do than to talk about, especially for you, but once again you have excelled. It will make a classic lesson in the University of Model Railroading, and I expect to be referring to it several times.

Really great info and examples

Thank you for this lesson on deepth shadows and all about how to go about it. Putting smaller buildings in back gives the look of distents also. Please keep teaching us so we become better modelers. GOD BLESS 🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖

Your tutorial is spot on! Sight lines, depth of field, and forced perspective are terrific tools in planning and building scenery/sets. Keep up the good work. I always learn something from your videos.

Hi Dave, Sounds a little like John Allen’s ideas 2.0. You have done a Great Job!!,of explaining sight lines and illusion which is a difficult concept incorporate in planning. I will recommend this video to my clubs.

Great tips! I’m dealing with this right at the moment and your video really helps!

Great information.

Lots of great information today.

Dear Dave, very interesting subject, maybe should say most interesting subject, as it’s becoming more and more of a pet peeve. Love your explanation on atmospheric perspective vs geometric perspective. Definitely agree on what you said about peninsulas and backdrops. Even with two different scenes on each ‘leg’ of the peninsula, I would prefer to choose a scenic visual divider instead of a flat view obstruction. Don’t have the space for such a peninsula on my own layout. Am drawing out my plans for a city scape, subway, with the prominent view from the subway street exit eye level. Humbly think that will allow for some wonderful opportunities to explore those atmospheric vistas. Absolutely love this kind of ‘from the eye of the master’s workshop on the red rock altar.’ Cheerio

Good one Dave. Thanks.

I would say the scenery in Wes Anderson’s movies, such as his resent “Asteroid City” are certainly flat without a lot of depth or parallax. That is his trademark and he is very good at it! But then, his movies are more on the comedic and surreal side with dead-pan humor.

Love this Dave I feel I have been watching what you do so closely I may have just by osmosis done some of these ideas No to use someone else’s line here but “ happy little accidents” ( Bob Ross) love your content as usual thanks so much Dave for what you do

What a wonderful artist and teacher!! Thank you for all your wonderful videos and teachings!!!

You mentioned scenery that "Busts through" the fascia. Is this scenery that extends outside the fascia? Thanks for this great episode!

Hi Dave, planning my layout, my backdrop is my main concern, you have given me alot to think about 👍👍👍👍👍,watched your videos on how to paint clouds ,but trying to plan on how to paint a rocky Mountain scenery is a bit of a worry , do you know of some descent videos on this scenery ? Regards Marc

I model n scale and so I buy ready made vehicles and kits. Some are a little large for scale, some are a little small. Use the small stuff at the back

Hey, Dave. I don't recall hearing you address this in any of your videos: How do you deal with static electricity, regarding scenic materials? I live in the high desert, and try to keep the house at 35% RH, but still materials stick to the application brushes, and stuff moves all over before it gets set with diluted PVA. Any hints?

I'd like to see someone model Nebraska in the 1860s. It'd be all grass

Excellent tips. A photographic background are often too saturated and/or the colors don't match.

On a different note: something that bothers me is Tunnels that don't have interiors! Also, how important is it to make a layout which is a fantasy, look truly realistic? My feeleing are it is just as important as a layout which is a model of the actual Santa Fe line!!!

Also better stuff in front,less detailed in back.

🙀I'm getting lost in the space.