One of my goals for my layout is the replacement of some of the larger background structures that aren't as detailed or realistic as I'd like. I've been somewhat reluctant to tear into them for lack of decent-quality windows of the larger multi-pane variety so common to many of the older industrial structures that I try to model. For a time I thought of different ways to recreate such features cheaply and in quantity. Experiments with hardware cloth yielded a large amount of windows but with limited realism. Chopping up Korber windows worked well but was time-consuming. The thickness of their castings was also a concern.

While photographing an old brewery in Pittsburgh for modeling ideas, it occurred to me that I should get around to figuring out what I needed. A chance discovery of some free graphing software on the internet also pushed me to get going. I always thought the best way to recreate larger industrial windows was to have thin grid sheets at my disposal to cut window patterns from in any configuration. I figured even I had only one pattern to work with, I could get a decent amount of variety by cutting the grid sheet to different patterns. This grid material could then be applied over clear styrene or acetate after some simple painting and weathering. More elaborate framing could be built up with strip styrene or wood.

I found a quick and dirty grid making program that runs off the internet and creates nice .pdfs of your chosen pattern. While poking around I also discovered that there was asymmetric version that lent itself perfectly to figuring out window sizes:

http://incompetech.com/graphpaper/

After saving and printing out different patterns I settled on one I liked best. Knowing that some model builders will do custom laser cutting, I emailed Model Tech Studios with my pattern and idea along with FOS Scale. MTS got back to me pretty quickly and with some enthusiasm. After discussing the cost of converting the .pdf I sent into a usable CAD file for his laser and the cost of the sheets, I gladly accepted the terms and took delivery of the first six this week. The photos below show the 7" by 10.5" sheets and how they compare to some of the windows in my parts bins:

Here's a basic 7" by 10.5" sheet. It's lasered out of ~.020" chipstock. This should yield me quite a bit of big windows!



This shows how flexible the sheet is. It can be cut with scissors or any hobby knife very easily.



Here it is compared to some windows out of my collection. I spray bombed the grid sheet with some cheap flat black paint I had laying around:



The pattern is fairly close to the Korber windows I've been using. Once I get started on my next buildings, I may order some larger versions for variety. The windows these sheets will produce will lend themselves well to some of my scratchbuilding efforts. James at MTS is willing to do the same for any interested hobbyist and can be contacted at mtsts@hotmail.com. Keep in mind, complex patterns will cost more than a simple one like I'm using.

Very cool Norm. I did not know Model Tech Studios would do custom lasering. I'll look into them for some of my future projects.

Nice looking windows.

John

thanks Norm
I have also wondered about those many windows needed for a large realistic structure.
This idea fits the bill and I'm sure many other designs could be spun off from this basic idea.

That looks fantastic....I like that look.

Norm, those are great. I can see a lot of uses for those. What is chipstock? Is it a wood or plastic material? Thanks for posting it.

I'm not sure what chipstock is, that's what Model Tech suggested instead of wood. It's sort of like cardboard I think.

Wasn't there a recent article about building structures out of Lexan? I think my next structures will be Lexan boxes overlaid with these windows and brick sheet. Hmmm.

Instead of Lexan, a brand name for polycarbonate, think Plexiglas, a brand name for acrylic. I have used acrylic for a building, with a couple more planned. Acrylic is cheaper, less prone to scratching, much easier and safer to cut, and above all much more rigid. Polycarbonate is used when there is concern for shattering in use because of thrown stones, flexibility in cold etc., not any model rr needs that I am aware of.

Norm, in the future if you need something drawn in cad, send it to me. Things like these windows take less than 5 minutes to draw. I don't know what you paid to have the file "converted", which is basically redrawing it, but if it saves you a couple of bucks it's worth it. I've seen some of the things you've done and I'm very impressed. I would be gald to help out. My email is in my profile.

Thanks Frank and Scott, I'll keep those thoughts in mind.

quote:

Originally posted by Norm Charbonneau:

Wasn't there a recent article about building structures out of Lexan? I think my next structures will be Lexan boxes overlaid with these windows and brick sheet. Hmmm.

Norm,
Yep. That was mine in Run 228 of OGR. I used Plexiglas as Frank said - the cheapest I could find. Cuts fast on the table saw, and rough edges are hidden by corner strips.

That method would be great with those window pieces you made. Besides the skyscrapers in the article, I used the Plexiglas as the basic form for my building flats.







This project started soon after I first saw photos of your magnificent industrial area. Thanks for the inspiration - particularly for the overhanging upper floor idea! It makes a world of difference in the appearance of a building flat.

Jim

Jim, I'll have to seek that one out. Which run was it? Thanks for the kudos! I like your buildings....

To minimize the rough edges of cut plexiglas, turn the tablesaw to operate backwards, so it melts, rather than cuts the material. Also when I want a more finished edge, I very lightly wave over the edge with my propane torch.
Norm, thanks for the source for these large industrial window material.

Dave G.

quote:

Originally posted by Norm Charbonneau:
I'm not sure what chipstock is

It's a sturdy but inexpensive grade of cardboard. If I'm not mistaken, it's the same stuff the backs of notepads are made from.

Here's a couple of quick and rather poopy shots of the first building to use these windows...





It is based on/inspired by part of this building near Milwaukee Junction in Detroit:



Gallery:

http://www.glancytrains.com/php-cgi/gallery/Milwaukee-Junction-Pics

Here's a "quick & dirty" alternative for factory windows. In craft stores, they sell a plastic "mesh" in the knitting section called "Quick Count". The #7 mesh scales-out to about 6"x6" for each pane of glass. For the window section that swings out for ventilation, just remove a section of gridwork. The main drawback is that the mesh would look better if it were finer. Joe

Now That Makes Some Differences.

Norm, you've done an excellent job of capturing the dirty, gritty look of Detroit.