A backdrop is a vertical surface behind your trackwork that is used to extend the concept and vision of your railroad layout. The backdrop may contain a scene from very far away to immediately behind the horizontal railroad and scenery. The scenery may show mountains, wooded hillsides, or other natural scenes, or man-made urban views.

Adding a backdrop to your model railroad is one of the simplest and most effective ways to enhance its overall appearance. The backdrop helps set the context in which the railroad operates.