I'm building a 40's era urban scene and have many DPM and Walthers structures completed. I'd like to add awnings but have not found many articles for building them.
Does anyone have any recommendations for creating awnings? I'd like to use both canopy type (with sides) as well as the type that roll out.
Use paper clips or thin metal rod stock, bend to shape to hold the awning. For roll out type all you need is a simple 'U' shape upside down. For fixed you could still use a smaller 'U' shape, or go all out and make the whole frame. Then use printer paper and cut to size, color any details, fold to shape and apply over frame. Cheap and easy!
I printed this on the computer, and glued it to a thin piece of styrene to give it support:
This one was also printed on the computer. I made a wire frame out of florist's wire, and then glued the awning down around it.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Designed and printed the awning on the computer on copy paper. Glue it to a piece of styrene or wood. Bend the flaps down. Support with a guitar string if desired.
I've seen nice awnings made of aluminum foil, carefully painted and bent. The nice thing about foil is that with a gentle push you can get a very prototypical "sag"
Dave Nelson
Thanks all for the suggestions.
I actually spent some time working on making the patterns on my computer, but could not come up with a good way to mount them. Now I've got some ideas.
Thanks again.
By the way I found the Model Railroader article on aluminum foil awnings I was talking about (above): Earl Smallshaw's article "Making Structures Unique" in August 2000 MR, page 80. He has more good ideas in that article than just making awnings out of aluminum foil.
DCoglianese but could not come up with a good way to mount them. Now I've got some ideas.
but could not come up with a good way to mount them. Now I've got some ideas.
I glue a strip of styrene(1/16"x1/16") under the edge of the paper awning that's going to contact the building. Gives it some surface area for mounting.