Blocking Windows and Layout design

[cpcolin]

Hey everyone I recently purchased a condo and want to put a layout in my 2nd bedroom (no wife, no kids no problems with that) . My problem is I want to have my layout heigth at 48 inches (I'm about 6 feet tall) but at that height it blocks a window at the end of the room, where I get a great breeze. I guess my question is how do you all cope with windows in your layout rooms?
Thanks

[chateauricher]

The upper deck of my 2-deck N-scale layout (construction to start in the next month or so) crosses the only window in my layout room.

Like you, I want to be able to access and open the window. In order to do that, I planned to put a gap in the deck at the window. I will use a bridge so that the tracks can cross the gap. Fortunately, the window is relatively small, so I was able to find a bridge to cross in front of it.

You don't say how large the window is, or what scale you are using, so I can't offer any specific ideas for you. But you could look into doing what I did.

To see my planned layout, just click on the "web" icon below.

[Anonymous]

I have the same problem in my 1 bedroom apartment. It only has 2 windows and I want to be able to open both of them.
So now that I'm building a new layout, I will make it at least 48" off the floor. That way I can get under the layout to open the window when I want to.
gtr

[cpcolin]

Chateauricher and everyone My layout is going to be HO scale since that is all the stuff I have. The wall I would like to put it on is 10 feet long. From the SW corner of the room I have one foot of wall, 4 feet of winow(long) which only about 2 feet opens then five feet of wall ending at the SE corner of the room. The Window opes hoizontally not vertically.
Thanks

[exPalaceDog]

First, make darn sure up are NOT blocking a possible fire exit.

Second, might it be possible to control the window remotely with a crank or something like a garage door opener?

Have fun

[Anonymous]

cpcolin, what is the sill height? Can you incorporate the sill into your layout with judicious use of plant materials (live) to simulate forest? Perhaps a gel treatment on the window to give the illusion of water? Then it might be possible to retain full opening and operating characteristics - is all I am thinking. A hatch, with firmly secured landscaping and building elements, provided with a stopper chain would allow access if it would be too far of a reach across the layout to open and shut the window.

wil

[Anonymous]

One other consideration to be thought about, any pets that might want to perch on the layout to keep track of the goings and comings outside? Part "B" if there is a great breeze, there is always the possibility of wind bourne percipitation that may be pressing in terms of window operation durning the warmer months. Is the condo airconditioned? That might make the need for ventilation less of a factor.
Will

[cpcolin]

Olddog 299: The sill height is 35 inches. I want to keep it at 48 so I can reach easier.

exPalaceDog: Good point about the fire exit. The room is my second bedroom and since I live by myself it would not be a problem. My master bedroom has a window as a means of egress.

Overdurff: I do not have any pets nor do I have plans to get any since I have some slight allergies. The condo does have central air, which I try not to use unless it is too hot like 85 degrees or above. With wind bourne precipitation coming through the window I would not have to worry about weathering my buildings or rolling stock[(-D] .

To everyone else the board width will be about 20 inches wide. I know I would be able to reach to access the window.

[mike33469]

My layout is 54" high and my room has 2 windows if I wished I could open them part way and that would be under the layout. The room has a ceiling fan so I never open the windows except twice last year after hurricanes Fran and Jean. I had no electric for 8 days after both hurricanes thats 8 days each total 16 days within 3 weeks. Just missed Katrina but its still early, keeping my fingers crossed.

[jacon12]

As you can see..

because I used a background 2 feet high, the window had to go. I live in Georgia so in the winter it's a little too cool and in the summer it's definitely too hot to open windows anyway, so its not a big loss.
Jarrell

[Anonymous]

I made a lift out section that drops in place using wooden dowels to keep alignment. It fits snug enough that I don't have anything holding it down. I have since replaced this with a hinged swing gate, but with the width of your layout I think you would be better off making it removable. I use DCC so I soldered my feeder wires to the middle of the track sections and used male and female spade connectors for power.

[Medina1128]

I modeled a dry river bed and put a bridge over the last one I had done like that. It also makes for a great attention getter to all the kids in the neighborhood.

[bogp40]

With a gliding window could you leave the window unlatched? Don't know your security issues. If the window were left unlocked you could easily operate the window from under the benchwork. The other option is to depress the benchwork to the 36", cross w/ some sort of bridge as mentioned, or narrow the width of the benchwork to reach the window at that spot. Ventilation is great but with it will bring dust for that realistic weathering.
If your benchwork needs to cross the window, painting or disguising the bare wood/ backdrop may be nec. as not to nave any problems with the condo assoc. I wouldn't open a can of worms by asking them, may get shot down. Just do it if nec and don't have it obvious.
Good luck Bob K.

[dgwinup]

Condo associations can be very arbitrary. If you use a backdrop across your window, put a 'Norman Rockwell"-style painting on the back of the backdrop. Then anyone outside will only see a 'normal American family' scene through your window. LOL

You still won't have use of the window, but it will be a great attention getter!

Darrell, being quiet again...for now

[Anonymous]

I did the bridge across the gap trick too, and my bench work in front of the window is high enough that I can crawl/duck under it to open the window from the bottom. I have the window covered with a bamboo roll-up type shade, which I plan on painting the same blue as the walls so it's not as obvious.

[cpcolin]

I have no security issues since I am on the third floor, any criminal would have to rapell off the roof to get in through the window. My association rules, when it comes to windows are no advertising (i.e. for sale signs) and we must have verticle blinds in either white or off white. I could look out and see people have their furniture at the windows. I could put my yard at that end of the layout an not have to worry about a backdrop. Or I can remove the backdrop when I need to get to the window.

[Anonymous]

[?] I am not sure why everyone wants to keep their layout levels up so high. I have mine at 32" high and 32" wide most areas (wider in others, but I can still reach everything). I have the same condition as you decribed. So far I have lowered the section in front of the window to the bottom of the window sill. That way I have no problem opening the window. I plan on making a deep cavern with a couple of nice tressel bridges from side to side (yes, I know that's going to be a little spendy) that should be a real eye catcher to the outside. I live on a corner lot and the window faces the corner. I just thought that since I have the same basic condition, that I would lett you know what I plan to do.

ennout[:D]

[chateauricher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ennout
[?] I am not sure why everyone wants to keep their layout levels up so high. I have mine at 32" high and 32" wide most areas (wider in others, but I can still reach everything).

In my case (I'm not sure about everyone else), I have 2 decks. The lower one won't block the window; but the upper one will.