Crossing a Window?

[Anonymous]

I am in the process of building an HO layout that goes completely around a small bedroom (12x12) in shelf-layout format. I am about to cross the window(72 inches wide) at about chest high. Does anyone have any ideas about how to make this look good without completely blocking out the window?

[nfmisso]

Bridge, like one in the Canadian Rockies.

[Anonymous]

I'd tend to agree with nfmisso. This is a perfect opportunity to build a massive and very impressive bridge across the window. This won't block out light, and will offer a superb photographic location.

[Anonymous]

Great idea! Is there a website with pictures that I could use to help build this type of structure? and who makes the best kits for these bridges and trestles? I am fairly new to this. Thanks for the replies.

[Jacktal]

A bridge is a great idea indeed.And you could have it removeable(or just a portion of it) to have access to the window when not in use.I suggest balsa wood for this as it is light,easy to work with and stiff enough for that purpose.

[Anonymous]

I'm in the same boat . I have a window to cross for my "S" scale around the the room layout. I would love to go around the room at the hieght of the sash( double hung window dividing point of lower and upper windows) so people coming up my front walk could see the train, but I will probably run it across a wooden window valance. I have two windows side by side so a bride is out of the question unless i add a center support. My hieght will be at 6'8" (HIGH!) but it's the only room i got. I'm 6'3" so for me it's acceptable.
]
Carpenter matt

[nfmisso]

I was thinking of something in the style of the Rainbow Bridge, but in the mountains, see: http://staff.niagara.edu/cab/Panorama/.

To simulate concrete; I would form the arch by wetting both outer surfaces then bending a piece of 3/16 luan plywood, and holding it in a fixture. The deck and the supports between would be the same material. The deck would probably be two layers.

To simulate steel, I would use plastic (solvent bonded) or brass (soldered) structural shapes.
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/272-535

http://www.balsabridge.com/images/bridge-van/image009.jpg
http://www.balsabridge.com/images/bridge-van/patullo2.jpg
http://www.balsabridge.com/images/bridge-van/im1.jpg
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/150-887
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/200-763
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/210-1902
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/272-222580
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/405-7626
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/433-8207
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/625-40081
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/713-1161
http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?manu=&item=&split=300&category=&scale=&instock=Q&keywords=bridge&start=0

Bridge & Trestle Handbooks
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/205-99
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/310-889
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/290-952
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/400-12101

[Anonymous]

I have exactly the same situation, same size room. I crossed the window like "carpenter matt" above, but just above the divide in the window so I can still open it. Rather than featuring the track with a bridge, I minimized it with the track supported on an L-girder made of 2x2 pine. The window frame is white, so I painted the piece of wood that shows from outside white also. Its hardly noticeable from the outside, just looks like part of the window.

[dknelson]

Don't forget that someday you may want or need access to that window, such as to replace broken glass, deal with a water leak, whatever. For that reason I would shy away from a delicate bridge model. Indeed you may want to explore a removable track section even if you do not anticipate using it very much.
And do not forget safety if in the event of fire that window was your only exit from the room.
One idea would be to purchase a large piece of foam board (they sell 'em big at office supply stores, but the advertising and PR department where I work also discards them after corporate events and I have made them away that I will take everything they discard) and block off the window, cutting it to size and perhaps using magnets to keep it in place. That way the window will be covered but easily uncovered and your backdrop can be more or less continued across it.
Dave Nelson

[leighant]

I have a room with THREE windows in the area where I must run layout, and on the sides of the room away from the area that must be left open for passthru to closet. I plan on building layout at 62" height so it covers NON-OPENING pane of double-hung window.
I will need storage area under layout so I plan roll-out cabinets under windows.

I admit haven't done this yet. But seems only way to get layout.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the links and the ideas, I am busy at it...........

QUOTE: Originally posted by nfmisso

I was thinking of something in the style of the Rainbow Bridge, but in the mountains, see: http://staff.niagara.edu/cab/Panorama/.

To simulate concrete; I would form the arch by wetting both outer surfaces then bending a piece of 3/16 luan plywood, and holding it in a fixture. The deck and the supports between would be the same material. The deck would probably be two layers.

To simulate steel, I would use plastic (solvent bonded) or brass (soldered) structural shapes.
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/272-535

http://www.balsabridge.com/images/bridge-van/image009.jpg
http://www.balsabridge.com/images/bridge-van/patullo2.jpg
http://www.balsabridge.com/images/bridge-van/im1.jpg
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/150-887
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/200-763
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/210-1902
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/272-222580
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/405-7626
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/433-8207
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/625-40081
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/713-1161
http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?manu=&item=&split=300&category=&scale=&instock=Q&keywords=bridge&start=0

Bridge & Trestle Handbooks
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/205-99
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/310-889
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/290-952
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/400-12101