John Allen's Mirrors

[Anonymous]

I found an article in the August 2005 MR, and all you have to do is flip to the middle of the magazine, to the story abou the portable layout.

[exPalaceDog]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CNJ831

QUOTE: Originally posted by exPalaceDog

To change the subject somewhat, the Old Dog has oftened wondered what might happen if one took an eye level layout and mounted One Way mirrors along the front and normal mirrors along the back? If one ran the streets at 45 degrees to the front of the layout, one might be able to develop a scene that appeared far deeper then the size of the layout.

Have fun

Forty years ago John Allen did just that to produce the "world's largest HO parking garage", using just two HO vehicles placed within a cube about 3" on a side, and containing a single grain-of-wheat bulb to illuminate the interior.

CNJ831

Now that you mention it, the Old Dog thinks it remembers the article!

But the Old Dog was thinking of the streets in a traction layout.

Have fun

[ndbprr]

He also painted the back side of the cars a different color to further fool you. I think it was a car dealer rather than a garge but who cares. The man was innovative to the nth degree and humble about it. I never saw him claim to invent anything publically the way Kalmbach's posterboy Malcom Furball does.

[CNJ831]

QUOTE: Originally posted by exPalaceDog

To change the subject somewhat, the Old Dog has oftened wondered what might happen if one took an eye level layout and mounted One Way mirrors along the front and normal mirrors along the back? If one ran the streets at 45 degrees to the front of the layout, one might be able to develop a scene that appeared far deeper then the size of the layout.

Have fun

Forty years ago John Allen did just that to produce the "world's largest HO parking garage", using just two HO vehicles placed within a cube about 3" on a side, and containing a single grain-of-wheat bulb to illuminate the interior.

CNJ831

[roadrat]

Check your local library for a copy of "Railroading with John Allen",
mine had it and about a dozen MRR how to books also.


bill

[exPalaceDog]

To change the subject somewhat, the Old Dog has oftened wondered what might happen if one took an eye level layout and mounted One Way mirrors along the front and normal mirrors along the back? If one ran the streets at 45 degrees to the front of the layout, one might be able to develop a scene that appeared far deeper then the size of the layout.

Have fun

[Anonymous]

If you want some info on mirrors, I advise paging back into old MR's for some info. The September issue had a little info on with Tony Koester's G scale layout, and I recently looked at an extensive article about using mirrors on a layout to hide staging tracks...if only I could remember!

[Anonymous]

It should be said though that first surface mirrors are expensive...they're used regularly in home theater rear-projection applications, while you should be able to get them at a local glass store, depending on where you are their lack of availability could drive up the price. Also be advised that because the reflective surface is on top of the glass instead of behind it (and then covered in a protective coating) it'll scratch a lot easier. Hand it with kid gloves or your money is down the tubes, there really isn't a good way to fix a scratch on one of these, it's like scratching the data layer of a CD...best to throw it out and start over.

[jrbarney]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ndbprr

. . . He also recommended mirrors that were coated on the surface so there was no depth of the glass effect when you placed something against it leaving a void like a building or track end.

To possibly clarify Ndbprr's post, you should go to a glass and mirror store and ask if they have "front surface" mirrors in stock. They should be able to cut them to whatever size you need.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543
P. S. You should be able to get photocopies of MR articles from:
[e-mail]
or, from the NMRA's Kalmbach Memorial Library:
http://www.nmra.org/library/
Photocopy fees at NMRA are reasonable, even if you're not a member.

[ndbprr]

The use of mirrors requires about two rules in all the locations he used them. You have to place them so the viewer is basically at an angle he can't see himself. So if you have a module you wouldn't out one on the back wall and look at yourself. You would put it on a wall at the end of the module where it would relfect the length of the module. he also painted all the signs with different graphics on a street scene so you didn't say, "Oh thats a mirror image. I think he also used one under a building overpass to mak it appear the scene wa deeper. he also recommended mirrors that were coated on the surface so there was no depth of the glass effect when you placed something against it leaving a void like a building or track end.

[Anonymous]

All,

There's a one page article about mirrors in the current MRR which refers to a Dec. '81 MRR article by John Allen...the mag may be unwittingly co-opting work from RMC. Thanks for the tip on the G & D website...I;m about to seek it out!

[claycts]

THe book, RAILROADING with John Allen can be found by foing to the G&D website. This is a group that follows ALL of the John Allen information. YOu should be ablle to GOOGLE G&D or Gorre and Dephieted (spelling?)
Hope this helps, I got my copy from one of there members.
Take Care
George P.

[Anonymous]

If you find any info, lemme know, I read an article back in the mid 90's about using mirrors to extend the depth perception of the layout (reprint of the same article perhaps?) and I've been considering the use of mirrors on my layout as well.

[West Coast S]

I believe it was RMC that was re-printing these articles around that time.


Dave

[Anonymous]

Hi All,

I understand that the Dec. '81 issue of MRR includes an article by John Allen on the use of mirrors in layouts. I've searched our site for back issues of MRR and none for that date are available, nor does it appear to be included in any of the sets of articles in PDF which MRR has for sale.

Is there anyone out there who has that article and could scan it and send it to me? If so, I'd really be appreciative. My email is: [e-mail]

Thank you very much,

Fred