Backdrops are an essential part of a realistic looking layout. I know that most people look at the trains and perhaps don't discuss the overall look of the layout. Given a choice to look at a plain layout with a blue background and one with a backdrop... the oohs and aahs are more pronounced with a professional looking photo backdrop. There are some beautifully done custom painted backdrops... I am not artistically prone... therefore I'd have to pay for good quality backdrops to enhance a scene. Below is a 2' x 4' portable layout our model railroad club used to take to local swap meets to draw potential new members. The backdrop was usually not attached to the layout and got some favorable comments... once we added the backdrop the interest in the layout and the club was much more favorable: before backdrop: after adding backdrop:
