Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

A case for glowing buildings

1460 views
2 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Ludington, MI
  • 1,826 posts
A case for glowing buildings
Posted by Water Level Route on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 8:15 AM

Been meaning to share something that occured to me a while back one early morning at work.  The plant I work in has a number of production buildings which had been steel corrugated siding over steel framing with no inner walls, insulation, or other type of covering from the inside.  They are simply weather protection for process equipment.  We've recently re-sided these buildings with corrugated fiberglass siding and it struck me how with the new fiberglass siding, the buildings "glowed" from the lights within, the very situation we work so hard to avoid on our model railroads.  Obviously not prototypical for many building materials, but for more modern industrial buildings, a little glow may be perfectly accurate.  Just be sure to add several bulbs inside to similuate the various lights throughout the structure.

Mike

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Southwest US
  • 12,914 posts
Posted by tomikawaTT on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 12:32 PM

I've seen some corrugated steel buildings with panels of corrugated fiberglass added to provide natural light to the interior.  That, too, should make an interesting effect if modeled.

Not something I can do myself.  The similar buildings in my modeled area were unpainted, well-weathered wood.

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: Good ol' USA
  • 9,642 posts
Posted by AntonioFP45 on Friday, June 16, 2017 5:15 PM

Good and interesting info. YesCool

Modeling structures with that feature would add depth to the scenery, however, the catch is that you'd have to be prepared for criticisms from well-meaning modelers and/or visitors.

In keeping "selective compression" in mind, having one structure emitting a prototyical "interior glow" may complement the scene. Having multiple structures with leaking light, however, may turn out to be more of a destraction to the human eye even if modeled after prototypes.

Just my thoughts Wink

"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"

 


Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!