how to model window blinds

[Javern]

I've seen some quite convincing window blinds in older issues of MR, anyone have tips on how to make them in HO?

[Kent]

Some kits come with a sheet of paper with blinds printed on them. You just cut to size and glue to the inside of the windows. Looks great when the building it lightsed.

Take a look at page 2 of my layout website to see.

[Anonymous]

You can make them youself from any slick paper. I have used magazines for source materials, just find a pattern you lke and cut n glue. You can also print your own using slick paper (or photo gloss) and your inkjet, just don't use water based glue with these, an inkjet printer is just a big water color set and it runs. Most ACC clouds windows so watch it. You can also print them right on you windows if you use overhead projector film for inkjet printers for windows. I use this to also print sashes in the windows and print signs. FRED

[Anonymous]

Try Google Images for pictures of window coverings. The curtains in this link are simply printed on a colour printer and pasted inside. You would swear that they are three-dimensional, but they're not...!

http://www.the-gauge.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6810

Andrew

[AltonFan]

You might want to see if Gold Medal Models has etched brass blinds in HO. I know they have them in N.

[Anonymous]

Javern,

Try yellow or orangish construction paper. If you have a muiti-story building you can cut random lengths by floor and paste it behind the windows. A very thin piece of syrene to hold the shade off the "glass" may assist. Or perhaps a Cat hanging in a shade.

I have tried to paint shades for railroad cars and it got covered. So.. I take small bits of strip syrene and use those in different heights and not all of the windows have em. If you are really thinking of twilight scenes, try a small bulb behind a shaded window that is shining on the shade.

Possibly for variation a few shades will be either ripped or hanging loose at a bad angle.

Hope this helps.

Lee

[leighant]

Gold Medal Models has Venetian blinds (ie slats). I have used them with very good results. I also used the same parts to make JAIL BARS. (Would you call that "parts-bashing"--? using a part intended for one prototype for a different prototype.) I do not believe Gold medal Models has a web site of their own but I beleve it is in the Walthers catalog and you might try "Gold Medal Models" in an internet search engine to take you to a dealer. I am a "poor boy" and the brass models on my layout are from Gold Medal-- such as etched brass shopping carts, etc.
There are also laser cut paper Victorian lace curtains if that is your cup of High Tea. I believe they are in the Walthers catalogue.
I have used bits of paper to model good-old-fashioned roller blinds. Very thin plastic like the cheap plastic bags they put your groceries in these bags would be even better because it would sag more realistically.

[Anonymous]

There are tons of blinds out there for free, just yours for the taking. My son discovered this by accident when he was looking for the right colour of blinds in modelling his BC Rail RDC's. And what are those free blinds - paint strip samples from Home Depot or all the millions of paint stores around. My son got the colour he wanted and took about 8 strips which where used on several RDC's.

He would cut out different lengths of blinds and install them in the windows of the RDC's (in this case - light blue) and they looked very realistic.

So if there is a unique colour you are looking for - don't sweat it, its out there.