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HO Scale Mirrors

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  • Member since
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  • From: Miles City, Montana
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HO Scale Mirrors
Posted by FRRYKid on Saturday, November 11, 2023 2:43 AM

Got yet another one for my Forum friends. What is the best way to represent mirrors in HO scale? I have purchased a full bar that is a 3D print. I have seen enough bars in real life (I don't drink. Just been in them enough for other reasons) to have seen the mirrors on the back bars. I would like to replicate the idea with this. I have seen the mirror sheets of styrene plastic from Midwest Products. I'm just wondering if there are any other ideas out there that I haven't found. As usual any suggestions would be most welcomed.

"The only stupid question is the unasked question."
Brain waves can power an electric train. RealFact #832 from Snapple.
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Posted by gmpullman on Saturday, November 11, 2023 5:57 AM

FRRYKid
What is the best way to represent mirrors in HO scale?

I've seen mirrors made for school lockers that are just as clear as a glass mirror but are polycarbonate and easy to cut. Some have magnetic backing.

Sometimes you can find them at dollar stores or closeout stores.

Ed

 

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Posted by rrebell on Saturday, November 11, 2023 6:36 AM

What you want is mirror foil.

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Posted by kasskaboose on Saturday, November 11, 2023 9:11 AM

While I've not used mirrors, it's an interesting concept.  Here are some articles, forum discussions, and a vid I found (and explored) to help generate more ideas:

https://www.trains.com/mrr/how-to/expert-tips/add-depth-to-structures-using-mirrors/

https://www.building-your-model-railroad.com/illusions.html

https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/lets-talk-mirrors-12191772

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfc8_zw1mS4

  • Member since
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  • From: Miles City, Montana
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Posted by FRRYKid on Sunday, November 12, 2023 2:15 AM

kasskaboose

While I've not used mirrors, it's an interesting concept.  Here are some articles, forum discussions, and a vid I found (and explored) to help generate more ideas:

https://www.trains.com/mrr/how-to/expert-tips/add-depth-to-structures-using-mirrors/

https://www.building-your-model-railroad.com/illusions.html

https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/lets-talk-mirrors-12191772

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfc8_zw1mS4

Those discuss using mirrors as part of the scencry to make the layout look bigger. I was looking to fill the areas on the back bar of the model in question. I ended up ordering a .040" thick sheet of the styrene. I ended up getting an offer for about 25% off of the list price and with shipping it ended up less expensive than the mirror foil that was mentioned.

"The only stupid question is the unasked question."
Brain waves can power an electric train. RealFact #832 from Snapple.
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Posted by wrench567 on Sunday, November 12, 2023 8:15 AM

  The shiny side of tin foil/aluminium foil wrapped over a piece of card stock would work.

       Pete.

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Posted by Canalligators on Monday, November 27, 2023 4:49 PM

A full service hobby shop will have small mirrors In the doll and miniatures dept.  I bought a collection of mirrors in varying sizes, 1.5-2.5 cm.  I used them to make rear view mirrors that attach to my eyeglasses, for bicycling.

The best way to cut mirror that I've found is a diamond wheel on a motor tool.  Go slow, make multiple passes.

Genesee Terminal, freelanced HO in Upstate NY
  ...hosting Loon Bay Transit Authority and CSX Intermodal.  Interchange with CSX (CR)(NYC).

CP/D&H, N scale, somewhere on the Canadian Shield

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Posted by rrebell on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 7:37 AM

Remember you need front facing mirrors in modeling (the reflective side is on the front instead of the back).

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Posted by AEP528 on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 8:39 AM

rrebell

Remember you need front facing mirrors in modeling (the reflective side is on the front instead of the back).

 

He's asking about a mirror behind a bar inside a building.

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Posted by rrebell on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 6:50 AM

I know that, thats why I suggested the thinest mirror as the depth affect is less noticable.

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