Making or Buying Model Train Scenery
Realism in model railroading is difficult to achieve in your backdrops and scenery items if you don’t tap into your creative talents. Intricate detail is the most fun part of modeling for some people, but some items are difficult to produce on your own.
Using natural items to create train scenery almost always produces more realistic elements than trying to create by cutting, shaping, and molding. Many modelers won’t use anything except natural items to make scenery, and even though that might make things a bit harder, many things you can easily find around your home can work wonderfully in your setup.
Model Train Scenery: Rocks
Because stone is a natural element, you will see it in most every outdoor scene. Using small stones to represent boulders is one of the most common choices of modelers. Of course, using the right stone is important. If the stones you find aren’t exactly the right color, you can mist them carefully with spray paint to achieve the desired look.
Model Train Scenery: Powders
Dirt from your yard will not look like dirt when placed on a small Scale Model layout. It will consist of grains that are too large to look realistic. Baby and talcum powder are more realistic for dirt and sand. A fine mist of paint can serve to feather in color and keep the powder from blowing away. White powder is excellent to represent snow.
Model Train Scenery: Tissue
Toilet paper or other tissue can be used for stucco on a building or a drive-in movie screen, or even a snowman, among other things. Use a spray adhesive for attaching the tissue to a surface.
Model Train Scenery: Rubber Products
Used thin latex gloves can be cut and fitted for many different things. Umbrellas or raincoats are just a couple of ideas. Choose appropriate colors for what you are making. For instance, yellow is great for a rain slicker.
Model Train Scenery: Sticks and Twigs
Twigs and small sticks that you find lying around in the yard are extremely versatile for natural scenery elements. If you make your own trees, twigs make the trunk and small wires can be attached for limbs. Herbs are often used to supply the leaves for trees made this way. When you have the trees as you want them, dust powder on them for snow in winter scenes.
Model Train Scenery: Paper
Wax paper is another versatile ally that can be used for a number of things. It can represent the surface of water when painted an appropriate color, or will serve as the base of a road made from finely crushed painted nuts.
Foil paper and paper bags both have uses in train modeling. Foil can be used to line the inside of buildings to reflect light out through windows and keep the illumination from coming through the walls.
Some items you will find aren’t worth the work to produce yourself. Any pre-manufactured parts that look real without a whole lot of work on your part can be purchased from model scenery suppliers and they work well in your model train scenery. You will never find everything that you want made and ready for your particular setup. On the other hand, many of the scenery elements you make are more believable than what you can buy.
About the Author
Edward Davis’s love for model railroading started when he was 7 years old, from a train under the Christmas tree. Now, all grown up and a full-fledged hobbyist, he loves sharing his knowledge of the model train hobby. He is a writer for the Model Train Hobbyist website, where hobbyists like himself can find scale model trains and brand names such as Bachmann Model Trains.
HO DCC Installs Vol. 1
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CAL SCALE MODEL TRAIN BRASS PARTS PRR PASSENGER TENDER CABOOSE MARKER LIGHTS + $15.50 |
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2PCS 4 LED Model Train Traffic Signal Lights HO Scale $10.35 |
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EC150X 10pcs Inside Light Model car Train 1:150 N scale $9.99 |
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Vintage Strombecker Model Trains Slot Car Track Layout Lamp Street Light Lot $49.95 |
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EC100X 10pcs Inside Light Model car Train 1:87 HO scale $11.50 |
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Vintage Aristo Craft Model Train Slot Car Track Layout Traffic Signal HO Light $0.95 |
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5pcs HO Scale Train Layout Model Lamppost Lamp OO Scale Silver 65mm Light T12 $4.14 |
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1PCS 8 LED Model Train Traffic Signal Lights HO Scale $5.17 |
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N Scale Signal Light Bridge For Model Railroad Train Display $4.99 |
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Vintage Aristo Craft Model Train 3 Volt Dome Light NO. 70 Lot Hobby Components $9.95 |
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HO Scale Athearn Genesis USRA 2-8-2 Light Model Railroad Train $99.00 |
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2PCS 4 LED Model Train Traffic Signal Lights HO Scale C $10.35 |
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4PCS 4 LED 12V Signal Lampposts Model Train Traffic Signal Lights HO Scale C $16.99 |
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20 HO or N Gauge 12V Model Train Layout Scenery lampposts lamp Lights 45mm T39 $9.99 |
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EC100 8pcs Head Light Model car 1:87 Train Scenery HO $13.46 |
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MODEL TRAIN STOP AND GO LIGHT AND GAS STATION AND WISHING WELL. $0.99 |
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5pcs HO Scale Train Layout Model Lamppost Lamp OO Scale 55mm Street Light T2 $3.10 |
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EC75 4pcs Head Light Train Layout 1:76 Model Car OO 12v $7.97 |
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EC100X 10pcs Inside Light Model car Train 1:87 HO scale $7.97 |
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EC100X 20pcs Inside Light Model car Train 1:87 HO scale $19.99 |
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EC150X 20pcs Inside Light Model car Train 1:150 N scale $19.99 |
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EC200 8pcs Head Light Model car 1:220 Train Layout 12V $19.99 |
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EC200X 20pcs Inside Light Model car Train 1:200 Z scale $19.99 |
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EC75 8pcs Head Light Train Layout 1:76 Model Car OO 12v $19.99 |
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EC200 4pcs Head Light Model car 1:220 Train Layout 12V $7.97 |
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HO SCALE TRAIN 10 PEEL & STICK LIGHTS gbb ihc Model Power New $6.98 |
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Bachmann Budweiser & Bud Light Beers Train Cars HO Scale Model Electric Trains $32.01 |
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HO Scale Life-Like Scale Models Train Crossing Signs and Lights Lot BG134 $0.99 |
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20pcs 12V train layout model lamppost lamp HO OO Scale Lights 65mm Silvery T41 $10.35 |
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Vintage Model Train Scenery Black & White Signal light Toy meccano Dinky Toys $4.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $20.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $20.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $20.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $17.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $17.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $17.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $17.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $20.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $14.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $17.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $17.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $17.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $17.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $14.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $14.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $14.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $20.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $20.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $17.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $17.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $20.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $20.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $17.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $17.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $17.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $17.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $17.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $17.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $14.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $14.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $14.99 |
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Train T shirt Lionel Marx American Flyer Model Drawing $14.99 |
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2PCS 4 LED Model Train Traffic Signal Lights HO Scale B $10.35 |
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2pcs HO scale train layout model lamppost lamp 85mm Street Light Scene T82 $0.99 |
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Vnt. Louis Marx Flood Light Tower Model/Toy Train Accessory. Needs Help & a Home $2.00 |
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JV221 Vtg OO Scale Model Train Lumber Mill w/ Light $14.99 |
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LF-100x Scale Train Model Lamppost Lamp Light HO TT $42.80 |
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LF-300x Scale Train Model Lamppost Lamp Light HO TT $109.00 |
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LJ-100x Scale Train Model Lamppost Lamp Light HO TT $48.50 |
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LJ-300x Scale Train Model Lamppost Lamp Light HO TT $128.00 |
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LT15-100x Scale Train Model Lamppost Lamp Light HO TT $22.60 |
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LT15-300x Scale Train Model Lamppost Lamp Light HO TT $61.00 |
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LT25-100x Scale Train Model Lamppost Lamp Light HO TT $34.99 |
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LT25-300x Scale Train Model Lamppost Lamp Light HO TT $95.00 |
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10pcs Head Light Model car 1:75 Train Layout OO Scale $15.01 |
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EC100 10pcs Head Light Model car 1:100 Train Scenery HO $9.84 |
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MODEL TRAIN COACH LIGHTS LIGHTING Lenses AMERICAN FLYER $44.95 |
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MODEL Train, Toy, signal lights, catalogue pg. 1935 $11.00 |
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Antique model train railroad RR accessories, farm animals, vehicles, light posts $19.99 |
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10pcs Head Light Model car 1:200 Train Layout Z Scale $4.99 |
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2PCS 6V Scale Train Layout Model Lampposts Lamp Lights HO 1cm Street Light T55 $9.99 |
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50 12V Scale Train Layout Model Lampposts Lamp Lights HO 65mm Street Light L-T70 $29.99 |
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10x HO scale Court Yard Lights Train Model Layout C01 $5.99 |
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10x HO scale Grassplot Lights Train Model Layout C02 $5.99 |
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10x HO scale Courtyard Lights Train Model Layout C03 $5.99 |
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EC200 10pcs Head Light Model car 1:200 Train Layout Z $14.32 |
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MODEL POWER – F2 ENGINE SET – HO TRAIN – RUNS & LIGHTS $34.99 |
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10PCS 12V Scale Train Layout Model Lampposts Lamp Lights HO L-T70 $10.35 |
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EC100X 20pcs Inside Light Model car Train 1:87 HO scale $19.68 |
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EC150X 20pcs Inside Light Model car Train 1:150 N scale $19.68 |
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EC200 8pcs Head Light Model car 1:220 Train Layout 12V $19.68 |
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EC75 8pcs Head Light Train Layout 1:76 Model Car OO 12v $19.68 |
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20pcs 12V scale train layout model lamppost lamp HO OO Scale Lights 85mm T29 $10.35 |
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White Tear Shaped Lionel AF Model RR Train Lamp Post Light Bulb NOS Free Ship x2 $12.00 |
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100 HO or N Gauge Model Train Layout Scenery 12V lampposts lamp Lights 45mm T39 $49.99 |
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50 HO or OO Gauge 12V Model Train Layout Scenery lampposts lamp Lights 10cm T31 $29.99 |
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20 HO or OO Gauge Model Train Layout Scenery lampposts Lamp 12V Lights 10cm T31 $10.35 |
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20pcs 12V train layout model lamppost lamp HO OO Scale Lights 75mm Silvery T25 $10.35 |
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S/ O SCALE TRAINS LIGHT UP MODEL RAILROAD STREET LIGHTS $12.98 |
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HO SCALE TRAIN 10 PEEL & STICK LIGHTS Model Power IHC $9.98 |
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The Sharper Image EC-B100 Sound Soother Alarm Clock $31.99 With this Sharper Image Sound Soother Alarm Clock, you can create your own peaceful world to help you fall asleep, relax or awake refreshed to start the day. Sound Soother is a full-featured alarm clock/white noise machine that puts 20 calming digital sounds at your fingertips, including Brook, Rain, Fireside, Rainforest and more. Features extra-large display with full sound titles, nap feature, d… |
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KidKraft Waterfall Mountain Train Set and Table $124.97 Learning while playing is fun with KidKraft’s new wooden Train Table with Three Bins and 120 Piece Mountain Train Set. KidKraft’s train table is kid-sized for hours of creative play. With a wide, generous play table, our train table has several unique features including: * Three durable red plastic bins that slid under the table for effortless storage * Special T-molded edges to prevent chipping *… |
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Department 56 Snow Village Halloween Rickety Railroad Station $73.00 No tricks this Halloween. Just treats – like the fun you and your little spirts will have decorating for a scary good time. Black cats and pumpkins, witches and goblins and things that go bump in the night! All await you in the enchanting world of the Department 56 Halloween Series. One ceramic building with adapter light cord…. |
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Trane Remote Energy Management Thermostat $138.51 Schlage LiNK is a brilliant new system that enhances your home’s comfort and your family’s peace of mind. Be Secure. Be Informed. Be Efficient. Be Home. Away from Home. Trane and Schlage, the powerhouses of home heating, cooling, and safety, have come together to bring a new level of peace of mind to homeowners. The Trane Remote Energy Management Thermostat completes and enhances the home hea… |
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Bosch 1677MD 15 Amp 7-1/4-Inch Wormdrive Construction Saw with Direct Connect $189.99 If you’re looking for unparalleled power, here’s the saw for you. In addition to the sheer brawn, Bosch really has finessed this machine, and the beauty is in the details. Our favorite feature is the Direct Connect system: The tool itself has no power cord, just a receptacle for your extension cord and a super locking mechanism to keep the cord connected. It’s so secure that you can actually lower… |
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Sylvania 30 Watt Incandescent S11 Train Marker Double Contact Bayonet 75Volt – 30S11DC75V model number 10765-SYL FREE SHIPPING! on the 30 Watt Incandescent S11 Train Marker Double Contact Bayonet 75Volt – 30S11DC75V, model number 10765, by Sylvania. Use coupon code “clearance” for an extra 5% discount Clear Train Marker30S11DC75V 75V 120/CS 10/SKULumens: 284Bulb Base: Double Contact BayonetWatts: 30Bulb Shape: S11Voltage: 75Case Pack: 120Filament: C-7AAvg. Life Hours: 500MOL (max overall length) 2.375Light C… |
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Ecotones Sound + Sleep Machine, Model ASM1002 $94.78 The Ecotones family of Sleep Sound Machines from Adaptive Sound Technologies is designed to provide the most realistic, natural sound environment possible to help people relax and sleep better at night. Each device includes ultra-high quality natural sound recordings for the most realistic listening experience. They use ASTI’s patented Adaptive SoundTM Technology that listens and responds to backg… |
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SOUND+SLEEP (Ecotones Duet) Adaptive Sound Machine, Black $99.95 SOUND+SLEEP from Adaptive Sound Technologies is designed to provide the most realistic, natural sound environment possible to help people relax and sleep better at night. Each device includes ultra-high quality natural sound recordings for the most realistic listening experience. They use ASTI’s patented Adaptive SoundTM Technology that listens and responds to background disturbances. The ASTI pro… |
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