How High Should I Be (Backdrop)

[chuck geiger]

I am going to have some edification questions as I jump back into this. How many inches should
a Masonite backdrop be from table top to the top of the board? I like the lower profile look I've seen
lately, so I went with 9".

[Jeff AKA St0rm]

On a small layout like that 9" should be more than enough. Any photos you take will be of small sections on the layout so 9" of sky will be fine. On my basement layout i went with 18" because if i am taking photos of large section of the layout i have a taller sky so i can back up the cam more.

[Cameron_Talley]

How will the backdrop be attached?  Since this looks like a door layout, I assume you will be moving it at some point.  You want to make sure the backdrop is either removable, or is small enough to fit through whatever doorway(s) you need to get the layout through.  You don't want to be faced with having to cut the backdrop!

[chuck geiger]

It's 2x4, small notch across the length of the layout in the foam is holding it tight.

[djconway]

I found it amazing that a short 6"-->8" above the scenery backdrop will work.  Your mind tends to focus on the trains right in front of you, not the ones on the other side of the ridge.
A camera on the other hand is a different story - it sees and records everything, so for photo work you may want a higher backdrop.

[chuck geiger]

I also like where it's embedded into the scenery, like in the hills.

[tom mann]

If you want to get low with the camera and aim up at the trains on the foreground track, the backdrop is too low as is (assuming you don't want to correct with Photoshop).