Over the years, I’ve found that the most convincing layouts tend to have muted, pale colours. Using muted colours will make a layout look bigger too – and who doesn’t want a bigger layout?
Above: My ‘Catcott Burtle’ layout is only 15in deep but I think it looks deeper. I used ‘autumn’ and ‘winter’ coloured static grasses while keeping the ground cover light – it’s often very easy to go too dark. The backscene is intentionally pale and misty.
Left: Roads and lanes shouldn’t be black – look how light asphalt looks on a summer’s day, especially if it’s very dry or if it has a high sand or chalk content.
Left: An occasional splash of colour can contrast well, if not overdone. Here we have some Rosebay willowherb (Chamerion augustifolium) on Mike Baker’s ‘Newton Heath Works’ layout.