I have already used a large mirror at one end of the layout to increase the apparent size of my urban area. I would like to do the same thing at the end of my branchline which is now under construction. The one problem with using standard mirrors is that it creates a visual gap because the glass is silvered on the back side of the glass. This does detract from the illusion which the mirror is supposed to create. I have a vague memory of reading somewhere of front silvered mirrors which would eliminate that gap but I can't remember where I read that. All the mirrors I have seen at the normal sources are the standard back silvered mirrors. My question is whether there is such a thing as a front silvered mirror and where would one go to get one.
This is a classic case of "Google is your best friend". A simple Google query of front silvered mirror turned up numerous results and resources. Even a YouTube video how to create your own on the cheap using acrylic mirror material ....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSBBjzttfzo
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
They are called 'First Surface' mirrors and most of the ones I have seen are metal, but I am sure there are glass ones as well, just more breakable!
-Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
Swedish Custom painter and model maker. My Website:
My Railroad
My Youtube:
Graff´s channel
They are usually called two way mirrors and are used in stores by the loss prevention department. Stick your finger up to a mirror, if there is a gap it is just a mirror. If there is no gap someone is watching you.
This is a Polycarbonate (Lexan) mirror thru Amazon. Notice it is listed as a 'first surface' type, meaning the mirror coating is on the front, not just a plastic mirror.
http://www.amazon.com/Polycarbonate-Mirror--0-087-Tolerance-Thickness/dp/B00HNGZHZ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1442280404&sr=8-1&keywords=first+surface+mirror
farrellaa This is a Polycarbonate (Lexan) mirror thru Amazon. Notice it is listed as a 'first surface' type, meaning the mirror coating is on the front, not just a plastic mirror. http://www.amazon.com/Polycarbonate-Mirror--0-087-Tolerance-Thickness/dp/B00HNGZHZ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1442280404&sr=8-1&keywords=first+surface+mirror
Reviewed by only one purchaser. 2-star. He says it is not a "first surface" mirror. Mistake in search results. Specifications and description do not claim it is a "first surface" mirror.
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
Many years ago there was an article in a MRR magazine and the term was First Surface Mirror.Model Railroader or RMC I think. The pictures even showed a few things attached to the mirror. Shrubs I think. At the time, only glass.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
DSchmittReviewed by only one purchaser. 2-star. He says it is not a "first surface" mirror. Mistake in search results. Specifications and description do not claim it is a "first surface" mirror.
This is from the detailed product description, which is where I got the term from:
Polycarbonate Mirror sheet is the clear choice for the best in strength, security and flame resistance. Paper masked on both sides. First Surface and ARmadillo scratch-resistant sheet.
I did not read the review, I was just pointing out the listing and the difference in 'first surface' and a regular mirror. Maybe the reviewer didn't use the correct side when he unpacked it?
Hello All,
The type of mirror you are referring to is also known as a "front surface" or "first surface" mirror. They are most commonly used in theatrical lighting applications along with satellite optics.
The glass ones I used to work with, in robotic lighting fixtures, are expensive and extreemly delicate. Because of the manufacturing process the face of the mirror can be damaged easily rendering it useless.
Polished metals and plastics; poly carbonates, will work but the optical clarity (distortion of light rays) can be significant. Ya get what ya pay for!
Take a look at John Allen's work with mirrors. He used traditional rear surfaced mirrors to great effect.
If you're set on a front surface mirror check this link.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
The below link will give you a lot to look at including this discussion.
http://tinyurl.com/ofe4yrs
Lots of good information and thanks to all who replied. My problem is I need a very large 30“ X 36“ mirror as it will extend across the end of the shelf and to the top of the backdrop. I am going to have a cove off a larger lake against the mirror to double the apparent width of it from 18“ to 36“. A bridge will cross the entrance to the cove near the backdrop and butt against the mirror also doubling its length. I used a 60“ long mirror in my urban area to good effect as the gap is really only noticeable at the backdrop. Since the the urban area is wider than the shelf leading up to it I put up tall building flats near the outer edge to keep my big fat head from reflecting off the mirror. My concern is that having a visible gap in the cove is going to be much more noticeable. Unfortunately after looking at the various websites the only one which offered a custom size first surface mirror big enough for my needs wanted $600 for a glass mirror and over $400 for an acrylic. I can buy a stock mirror at Lowe’s in the size I want for $18 and change. For that much difference I think I can learn to live with that visible gap. I also looked at some YouTube videos for how to make your own front surface mirror and I looks like a fairly involved process that would be easy to foul up. Usually the first time I attempt to do something I foul it up royally and learn from my mistakes so I can do it right the second time. Since this is something I would do just one time that isn’t going to be much of a help.