Buildings don’t just exist in isolation, they have a context. Grass tends to grow up along the bottom of walls.
All photos, G Whittaker.
There are often road markings and other clues as to the function of a building. Below I added some grass to the edge of the building, this will also hide any gaps! The playground markings make it obvious that this is a school.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.classiccollectmodels.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/s2.jpg?fit=980%2C724&ssl=1)
Model the environment by adding textures. The yard below is made of sand ballast. The walls are 4mm balsa wood and the chimney is made of thicker balsa wood. Add a few cows and you have a farm yard scene. Most of this building is made of cereal packets.
![](https://i2.wp.com/www.classiccollectmodels.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/m3.jpg?fit=980%2C783&ssl=1)
Street furniture and vehicles
Cars and people help to blend buildings into a scene. Below, add a few cars and you are in the 1960’s .
![](https://i2.wp.com/www.classiccollectmodels.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/m1.jpg?fit=980%2C553&ssl=1)