1:72 Brick wall

A brick wall in 1:72 scale

A wall is an item with which a display is bounded or divided. In a small scale it fulfills a double role at once: it hides the edge of a scene and at the same time gives a model a background against which its outline stands out. This part carries brick masonry and can be used on its own and in combination with further pieces.

Placement in the scene

A wall placed along the longer side of a display case raises the background and creates a backdrop. Across the area, by contrast, it divides the display into two planes, through which depth arises. It pays not to leave it standing exactly at right angles to the viewer's line of sight; a slight turn acts more naturally. A low-set wall lets the gaze pass further into the space, while a tall one grips the display instead and concentrates attention on what stands in front of it.

Working with brick

• mix several differently colored pieces into the base brick tone
• suggest the mortar with a light paste wiped off the face of the masonry
• darken the lower reaches, as though they were drawing damp up
• bring the edges out with a dry brush on the top of the wall
• add moss and self-seeded growth only in places, not along the whole length

Who it is for

For modelers who put city and country displays together from individual items and want a free hand over the composition. The wall will also serve as a divider between two models on a common board, so that two separate displays do not mix into one confusing whole. Masonry is moreover a patient surface on which techniques that would be a risk on an expensive model can be tried out in peace.