Did you take pictures?

If you took pictures from the vantage point where you want to view your mountain back drop, use your pictures to model or paint from.

Pictures

I have to agree you need actual pictures of the scene you are trying to paint. 

If you are trying to give the impression of being "IN" the mountains would it make sense to have carved rockwork rising up to blend with painted backdrop that gives the illusion of those soaring heights?

PICTUERS how about I have over 1,000 Photographs

I have close ups, far offs, Pan-o-ramic at 16 inch by 48 inches and aerial photos and the fact is I can build anything out of wood, plastic, metal or most any other structural material but when it comes to Painting Backs drop I really suck. I have done what I can do and the heck with it I want to build my railroad not PAINT STINKING MOUNTAINS. I post some new pictures of my final back drop and when I have an extra $500.00 I'll Buy a room full of backdrops. Maybe next time I'll just paint the SKY.

Dan

THE ROCKIES

Hi Dan, me thinks you expect to much! You don't want to get pickey with details. To good of job will take to much away from the real painting, your trains. Do a good job on the areas for and aft of the rigthaway. Nice scenery several inches toward the rear of tracks that melts into trees or buildings with a hint of the Rockers at distance will keep focous on the action up front.                   Have fun man, Bayouman

Photo backdrops?

Dan,

With that many photos of the mountains, perhaps you should drop back a step and consider having some printed on poster stock (apparently Walgreens or Kinkos can do this relatively economically) and paste them up to the backdrop?

It might save you a lot of heartburn over your current painting issues.