scale question

Hey all, has anyone played with or seen layouts with smaller scales in the background as a distance effect? I'm working on an HO layout and have some N scale stuff I dont use and was thinking of putting it towards the back splash as to appear far off. any thoughts?

Hello, I'm in the market for a train that someone would have had in the 50's. Could someone tell me what scale was primarily used back then, as well as brands that were most likely used? I seem to recall something smaller than some of the big sets I've seen today (like Lionel sold at...