I just picked up the Walthers Ashmore Hotel kit. I'm adding it next to Denver Union Station.
There is a hotel thats a good match for this kit, I found downtown Denver, and its about 3 blocks from Union Station.
I was wondering if there is any way to tint blue plastic windows in the kit ? I want it to look like this.
When I was driving downtown I snapped a photo of it.
Michael
CEO- Mile-HI-RailroadPrototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989
If you can find a suitable blue, thin it rather severely (80-90% thinner), then spray it on the inside face of the window "glass" while it's still on the sprue. Naturally, test it first on a spare piece or something similar to adjust the amount of thinner and the density of the spray.
I do think, though, that the tint isn't so much blue as it is a reflection of the sky. The reflection of the building across the street doesn't look bluish.
Wayne
I've never tried it, but what about something like blue cellophane glued behind the clear plastic supplied in the kit?
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Cindus-CW750-57-Cellophane-Wrap-30-Wide-5-Foot-Roll/25255693
Jim
Tamiya makes a 'Clear Blue' paint which would likely give you the effect that you want:
http://www.tamiyausa.com/search.php?q=clear+blue
(I really wish MR would correct the problem with some links not being clickable. To go to the link, highlight it, right click on it, and then select 'Open Link' or words to that effect). See Mark R's solution to the problem below.
I have used their Clear Red and Clear Yellow (by brush only) and they work quite well for things like tail lights. I think that you will have to do some thinning if you want to use an airbrush.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
hon30critter (I really wish MR would correct the problem with some links not being clickable. To go to the link, highlight it, right click on it, and then select 'Open Link' or words to that effect). Dave
(I really wish MR would correct the problem with some links not being clickable. To go to the link, highlight it, right click on it, and then select 'Open Link' or words to that effect).
You need to click on the little "chain" icon in the reply box, then enter your url there to make it clickable ....
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
Ya the windows have a mirror type surface and I agree looks blue because of the sky.
Nontheless, I still want to replicate that look.
I'll go pick up that Tamiya clear blue acrylic paint and try that out using my airbrush. It says they reccomend the tamiya acrylic thinners? I supposed I cant just use alcholol to thin it?
Mark - I had to give your method a try! Works great. Why haven't I seen this solution before? (rhetorical question).
Thanks!
I just l
ctyclsscs I've never tried it, but what about something like blue cellophane glued behind the clear plastic supplied in the kit? http://www.walmart.com/ip/Cindus-CW750-57-Cellophane-Wrap-30-Wide-5-Foot-Roll/25255693 Jim
I just looked at this, and this might be perfect. It seems clear enough to see through. And easier to add a sheet to the entire wall of windows.
There are a ton of windows in this kit, and buying all the paint required for this will get expensive.
That cellophane is only like $3. So I'll pick a roll up of this and try it out.
Michael:
I have used similar clear wrap for wrapping gift baskets many times. It is quite a bit stiffer than Ceran wrap. If you can get it to sit flat against the backs of the windows it might work quite well. However, I'm not sure that it will give you the desired tint if it isn't attached to the back of the windows. For the price its worth a try.
On the other hand, I don't think it would take a lot of paint to cover the insides of the windows. I'd be suprised if you needed a whole 23ml bottle. Keep in mind that you are going to have to thin the paint to spray it. You might not need more than a coat or two. Its not like you are painting an opaque colour where you have to put on enough paint to hide what's underneath. I think the biggest advantage of using the clear coloured paint is that it will be deposited directly onto the window glass. There won't be any gaps which could occur with the wrap. Think of poorly applied automotive window tint.
Anyhow, I'm speculating here. Please keep us posted on how you do the tint. I like the effect and I have a big hotel planned for my layout so I am curious to see how things turn out.
Michael,
As a side note....I use a lot of Tamiya paint and have found that Denatured Alcohol works great for a thinner. For cleaning any brushes/air brush, I always use Lacquer thinner.
Take Care!
Frank
Ever think of taking a picture of a building with the sky behind it? Print on glossy photo paper after resizing to proper scale, then glue in from behind.
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
I have used colored cellophane benind clear windows, and they look like tinted windows. It is easy to do.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
http://alclad2.com/finishes/transparent/
The best stuff I've worked with for window tinting on Passenger Cars and Structures. Smoke with a little Blue added.
Mine doesn't move.......it's at the station!!!
I've been considering something like this for a few of my structures.
Lowe's has a material, in the window cover section, that could be a very thin mylar. Sold in rolls and having several reflective tints. This stuff is used to create thermal protection on home windows. It applies with a spray on liquid and spread with a squeegee. Altogether I think the cost would be around $35 for enough stuff to do an entire HO city scene.
I plan on trying it when I get to creating my urban scene.
Mark H
Modeling in HO...Reading and Conrail together in an alternate history.
The suggestion of taking a photo of a real building sounds like a great idea. Has anyone ever seen it tried before? It seems like it could be a little tricky until you got everything figured out, but it also seems to have a lot of potential.
I picked up a roll of blue cellophane today at the party city store. It was only $4 bucks.
I inserted a couple of windows, and taped the cellophane peice to the back of the windows. I think it looks great. And it will be easy to install on all the windows.
Once I paint the interior walls black and the roof, etc. The blue will appear a little bit darker, just like in that photo.
That looks good! I'm glad you found a simple solution.
I see you have found something to fill your need. My thought was a clear report cover. They come in a variety of colors.
Have fun,
Richard
LION was going to suggest glass paint as is sold at Hobby Lobby. Maybe it would yield more vairety.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
Something to consider .... in the opening picture, you are looking UP at the building, in which that angle is reflecting the blue sky. On the layout, you are more looking AT or down on the structure .... it wouldn't be reflecting blue sky in the windows .... unless you just plain want blue windows !