Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Smoke and Mirrors--well, mirrors, anyway

1157 views
4 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    March 2008
  • From: Atlantic, IA 50022
  • 42 posts
Smoke and Mirrors--well, mirrors, anyway
Posted by durango on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 7:39 PM

Does anybody know of or have a link to a how-to-do-it, or tutorial on the use of mirrors to expand the illusion of a canyon?  Thanks, Steve.

  • Member since
    May 2009
  • 299 posts
Posted by JSperan on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 5:12 PM

Not sure about a link but the idea is to first find what is called a first surface mirror of the size you need.  One source for those used to be Edmund Scientifics.

Next you have to mount the mirror in such a way as to keep visitors from being able to see themselves in the mirror. I'll see if I can find any links that would be helpful.

Here's one!  Visual Illusions and mirror tricks

  • Member since
    April 2009
  • From: Sweden
  • 1,468 posts
Posted by Graffen on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 5:29 PM

I don´t think it is very economical to use first-surface reflecting mirrors on larger vistas such as a canyon, more suitable for city-illusions.

Swedish Custom painter and model maker. My Website:

My Railroad

My Youtube:

Graff´s channel

  • Member since
    May 2009
  • 299 posts
Posted by JSperan on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 5:37 PM

Graffen

I don´t think it is very economical to use first-surface reflecting mirrors on larger vistas such as a canyon, more suitable for city-illusions.

 

No, not at all economical.  I have only seen the technique used to "extend" a road or city street etc.

First Surface Mirrors

  • Member since
    March 2008
  • From: Atlantic, IA 50022
  • 42 posts
Posted by durango on Saturday, May 30, 2009 9:02 PM

Thanks for the responces, guys.  I did learn more than I knew before.  I was aware of the cost factor of the first surface mirror and had envisioned a much larger piece than I really need.

One question that hasn't been addressed is how to treat or hide the top edge of the mirror.  I have a 1X4 ledger against the wall that is a major part of the girder system, and I'm not wanting to remove any sections of that ledger.  Said ledger is at the top of the canyon that I want to to 'expand' and the painted skyline is directly above the ledger/top of canyon.  Any suggestions on how to hide this edge?

Thanks, Steve

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!