Forced perspective is an interesting way to give a layout more apparent depth, and is especially useful where space restricts the real size of a model rail layout.
Originally, the technique of using forced perspective was used in architecture to make buildings appear more grand (either inside or outside) or to fool the viewer into thinking that they were physically bigger than they actually were.
It's also a technique that can be used in amateur photography and has been used in the movies to great effect. Popular examples are of people appearing to 'hold' the top of a building by photographing them closer to the camera, but in line with the building in question.
Model rail enthusiasts can take advantage of forced perspective in many ways, but one of the simplest is in mixing gauges (or scales) to make objects appear further away than they really are.
For example, an N scale car in the back of a layout can make the layout appear deeper, or a mountain higher, as the difference in scale forces the viewer to accept that the distance must be greater than it actually is.
And backdrop scenic photos can be used to great effect too, by appearing to show a scene that fades into the far distance.
That's all there really is to it - the rest is experimentation. For more information, Model Railroad Hobbyist Magazine put together this great video.It's sure to give you some great ideas about how to used forced perspective on your own layout!
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