Large Scale Central

Advice on building windows

Modeling
#1

I am building a new train storage building. It is built along a block wall, 2 ft high on the wall side, and sloping down to 1 ft on the front, 16 ft long. I want it to look like some kind of warehouse type RR building, so plan on putting windows along the length. I also will need a door on the side, as well as one on the far end, just for access in case there is an accident. It will have a solid wood floor, and in my last building I never had an issue in the straight rows of track.

So can some one give me some advice on simple, windows that look like windows.

Thanks

Paul

#2

Paul,

It depends on how close you’re going to get. :wink:

For “true” industrial type windows, take a look at Scale Art Models - http://scaleartparts.com/page11a.html

They have a 40 pane window that is 10’ by 5’ in 1:20 scale.

(http://scaleartparts.com/photos/FW23.jpg)

However, if you don’t need total accuracy, you can do what I did and use 1/2" hardware cloth cut to the size you want (well, within a half inch, anyway.)

(http://jbrr.com/assets/images/IMG_0911.jpg)

I framed mine with some styrene angle pieces and glued them in place on top of some clear acrylic.

(http://jbrr.com/assets/images/IMG_0919.jpg)

From a distance, it’s hard to tell.

(http://jbrr.com/assets/images/IMG_1177.jpg)

#3

That is way cool Bruce. I am making the building out of T111. I can cut the holes for the windows, but I am not sure of how to frame in the hardware cloth. Is hardware cloth like screen? I want to put regular window screen on the inside, to keep out bees, etc.

But I sill have a question about the framing.

Paul

#4

Paul,

Hardware cloth is made from galvanized metal, so it’s a LOT stiffer than screen. (I have no idea why it is called “cloth”).

For framing, you might look at some channel - either brass or styrene. I created my channel by gluing two 1/8" styrene angle pieces together.

It looks pretty sharp once painted:

(http://jbrr.com/Pics/Structures/BuchananMachine/IMG_8957.JPG)

Or, since you’re cutting holes in your siding, maybe it doesn’t need to be framed, but you might just create a border and butt the window up against it.

I’m all for ventilation, but I’m not sure I’d screen all the windows as that will also let the rain in.

I cut openings for the windows in this building, but backed them with acrylic. The round windows at the top are backed with screen for ventilation.

(http://jbrr.com/Pics/Structures/BuchananMachine/IMG_8985.JPG)

I’ve got a log on how I did this here: http://www.largescalecentral.com/forums/topic/13987/search/view/page/1

#5

Bruce Chandler said:

{snip…} Hardware cloth is made from galvanized metal, so it’s a LOT stiffer than screen. (I have no idea why it is called “cloth”). {snip…}

Because, if I’m not mistaken it was originally woven like fabric (i.e. it has warp (ends) & weft (shute) threads), later on as technology allowed welded came into being.

1stclass.mylargescale.com/stevec/Misc-Files/HardwareCloth-01.pdf

#6

Great ideas, I’m thinking about what to do now.

Thanks

Paul

#7

Now that is interesting, Steve. Who knew there would even be an answer! Thanks.

#8

Ok, so finally, where do I get Hardware cloth. Home Depot?

#9

Any hardware store will carry it.

#10

Yep, Home Depot should have it - or, like Steve said, just about any hardware store.

Heck, you can even buy it from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/308227B-24-Inch-10-Foot-2-Inch-Hardware/dp/B000RZFO36/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1369507412&sr=8-2&keywords=hardware+cloth

It is typically sold rolled up. So, before you cut it up, try to flatten it first. After I cut mine, I also stacked them up and put them under a weight, just to help straighten everything out first.

#11

I’ll be durned. We used to call that “Chicken Wire”! I’ll let you figure out why.

#12

Really? I always thought that “chicken wire” was thinner and hexagonal…

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CXQ3yIUO-n0/US_caQhvivI/AAAAAAAAAj4/kLBSm_OT1_8/s1600/hexmesh.jpg)

#13

Yup. Completely different stuff. Chicken wire is the hexagons and easily deforms. Hardware cloth does NOT easily deform.

#14

Has anyone here ever used the windows from Scale Model Arts? I’m curious as to how well those resin windows hold up outdoors.

#15

Yes Ray, the building on the left has Scale Art Models store front windows and doors. It’s been outside for over a year.

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh58/rgseng/expansion/Hesperus/hesperus010.jpg)

(http://scaleartparts.com/_wp_generated/wpaf58ba67.png)

#16

Do they have a web site. I can’t seem to get to it.

Paul

#17

It looks like it changed and it’s a bit convoluted to get to

http://scaleartparts.com/

#18

Thanks Ken, I might be able to use these. Do we know how well they hold up outside, especially in the desert?

#19

I don’t know about the desert, but mine has be outside for over a year. Paint and signs are a bit faded, but it’s held up well. I’m in SE PA. , not exactly desert conditions…:wink: