Lots to do today. I will focus on the trees at the 2D-3D interface and try to make some of them look like they are extruding from the back plate. Can't attach them yet as work has to be done on the base (cutting groves with a router, cutting the base to length with my power saw, sanding, finishing, etc). The back plate will eventually be permanently attached to the fir base so the interface won't be damaged. The other four plates (front, top, left and right) will be stained-glass soldered together and can be removed for easy access to the display for repairs and modifications.
I have been given more free time at the glass store on Saturday to work on my project. The owner has been very kind! I will start the tunnel portal design (right panel) this evening and begin work on it there. Also, the owner of Maritime Hobbies and Crafts saw my project pictures and wants to put my completed display case in his model train showcase for customers to see. I agreed.
Please continue to post pictures and give updates. It's very interesting.
Cut a 5.5" x 6" mirror for the left side of the case. This adds depth and a bit of funkiness to the display as viewed from the front right.
OldSchoolScratchbuilderThe back plate is a special fusing glass. When it goes into the kiln the glass pieces permanently fuse together and the edges of the plate will round under the intense heat.
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Ah, that explains it. I just read a little about fused glass in the internet. I had no idea about that aspect of glasswork.
Thank you for the answer.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
chutton01 Old School.OK, I checked back over this thread, and I don't think you fully explained what the 4 white bars to the left of the plane contrails are supposed to be. The contrails I get, the geese I get, but the 4 white bars look...misplaced.
Old School.OK, I checked back over this thread, and I don't think you fully explained what the 4 white bars to the left of the plane contrails are supposed to be. The contrails I get, the geese I get, but the 4 white bars look...misplaced.
Same contrails in turbulence, however, there will be objects placed in front of them eventually.
I have a feeling that if som of you hang in there and wait, the finished final product will look a whole lot different than thee "behind the scenes" views we've been getting. Much as how the illusion is destroyed if you view things from unintended angles, or when they are in a partially complete state.
It's a heck of a lot more interesting than the usual stained glass scenes. And there's a train in it. Even if I don't model modern era.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Tree interface between the 2D backplate and 3D scenery looks to be easy to do using Woodland Scenics Tree Armatures (TR1120). I have populated two of them with a first layer of red glass leaves.plastic cement seems to hold the glass in place.
I think this project is very cool and totally appropriate to the forum. Even if it does not turn out as Oldschool hoped it would (though it looks like it will) it is something new and different from what we usually see on this forum and a breath of fresh air. Thinking and doing outside the box is how we come up with new ideas.
Thanks for sharing, I am following with interest.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
SeeYou190 1) Why does stained glass go into a kiln? 2) Why does stained glass shrink in the kiln? If I understand how glass is made, heat is part of the manufacturing process. Why would heat change the dimensions.
1) Why does stained glass go into a kiln?
2) Why does stained glass shrink in the kiln? If I understand how glass is made, heat is part of the manufacturing process. Why would heat change the dimensions.
The back plate is a special fusing glass. When it goes into the kiln the glass pieces permanently fuse together and the edges of the plate will round under the intense heat. On panels half this size, the length and width were reduced by 1/8 inch. I only lost 1/16th of an inch on this backdrop but that is still significant and must be taken into account when matching up to the other regular glass plates. The amount of shrinkage is hard to predict because of differences in manufacturer's fusing glass, kiln temperature cycle and duration.
Now that the fused glass backdrop is complete, it is time to layout the roadbed and position the 3D scenery items, including blending the 2D background with the 3D scenery.
OldSchoolScratchbuilderSince this piece will shrink a little, I couldn't start the other sides of the case because of the new fired planar dimensions.
I clicked on one of your pictures to get a larger image, and those glass ties look really neat.
The backdrop also looks nice.
Questions:
Just curious.
Please continue to update. I am enjoying this project.
Stop being so negative. It's a display case for a model locomotive. That makes it on topic, no matter what technique he uses to build it.
--Steven Otte, Model Railroader senior associate editorsotte@kalmbach.com
I have to agree with Granite on this, basically OldSchool is building a display case for models (which has been discussed in other thread over the years) and demostrating uses of different materials (stained glass) for background etc. Seems cool, not like he's making Santa Claus Christmas tree ornaments.Although the glass ballast idea is interesting, still not grasping the need for glass ties (well, based on Old School's previous writings, it's probably "because he can")
mobilman44 This glass project is really pretty and obviously a lot of effort was put into it. But why post all this on a Model Railroader site? It has nothing to do with the hobby, and no MR is going to use glass for anything other than water surfaces or windows. These postings would be more admired and appreciated on a "Crafts" or "Art" site, where it really belongs.
This glass project is really pretty and obviously a lot of effort was put into it.
But why post all this on a Model Railroader site?
It has nothing to do with the hobby, and no MR is going to use glass for anything other than water surfaces or windows.
These postings would be more admired and appreciated on a "Crafts" or "Art" site, where it really belongs.
One person's style of model railroad hobby may not fit another's, but why should that stop them from showing their work Here?
While the technique isn't something that I can recall seeing for use in model railroad before, the glass ballast idea does spur my curiosity.
It seems Steven and other staff would have closed it on their own if it was an issue. I like the idea of the display and am following it to see the end result...
This space reserved for SpaceMouse's future presidential candidacy advertisements
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
Yeah! Several hours of bench time at the glass shop this afternoon. Finished the fusing phase of the back plate and it is now in the kiln. Should be ready by tomorrow! Since this piece will shrink a little, I couldn't start the other sides of the case because of the new fired planar dimensions. Added a sandstone/gypsum exposure on the left which will reflect in the mirrored left side of the case. Also added a v-formation of Canada Geese, now flying over Nova Scotia.
OldSchoolScratchbuilder Going to try my hand at building a stained glass trestle as I wait for the next shop class opportunity. Sixty three glass panels fit into the gondola shown in the picture. Starting to think I can build a small portable stained/fused glass novelty layout to bring to shows.
Going to try my hand at building a stained glass trestle as I wait for the next shop class opportunity. Sixty three glass panels fit into the gondola shown in the picture. Starting to think I can build a small portable stained/fused glass novelty layout to bring to shows.
https://www.deadrailsociety.com/
Rich
Alton Junction
Some of the autumn trees on the 2D back plate will have lost leaves that spill over into the 3D section of the display case. Just crushed red glass and sifted into three grades for leaf ground cover.
I now have a glass crusher and sifter set to make scenery items like ballast and frit for backdrops.
Going to try my hand at building a stained glass trestle as I wait for the next shop class opportunity. Sixty three glass panels fit into the gondola shown in the picture. Starting to think I can build a small portable stained/fused glass novelty layout to bring to shows. The shop is assembling a full set of stained glass working equipment for me to purchase on Monday. That way I can do more of the work at home. The only piece of gear I won't have is my own kiln.
Stained glass ties can be made. This is a 9" straight track with 33 ties. Had fun with this challenge.
Rails have just been laid on top for now. I will use much finer stained glass ballast.
tstage While the stain-glass ties are slightly larger (i.e. as compared to the flex-track ties) - nicely done, OS. I know cutting glass that small is not an easy feat. Tom
While the stain-glass ties are slightly larger (i.e. as compared to the flex-track ties) - nicely done, OS. I know cutting glass that small is not an easy feat.
Tom
That's why I need the jig. I can straighten the edges so grinding won't be needed and also reduce the width.
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Even easier to make glass ballast, which I did at the glass shop.
Took a few hours and some broken glass but I finally developed a technique to cut HO-scale glass ties. With a small jig that I will make, I can produce ties in large numbers in a very short timeframe. May do this instead of wood for the display case.
OldSchoolScratchbuilder The locomotive in the display can be changed by driving it through the tunnel onto the open Douglas fir base.
The locomotive in the display can be changed by driving it through the tunnel onto the open Douglas fir base.
SeeYou190 If I am undertstanding this... the stained/fused glass section will be behind the locomotive, the fir will be the base, and there will be some scenery on the inside. I assume that means the top and front will be clear. So basically the stained/fused glass will be the backdrop. If I understand this correctly, it sound like a very promising project. I can see where it could be a beautiful display. Do youi have a concept sketch you can post? -Kevin
If I am undertstanding this... the stained/fused glass section will be behind the locomotive, the fir will be the base, and there will be some scenery on the inside. I assume that means the top and front will be clear. So basically the stained/fused glass will be the backdrop.
If I understand this correctly, it sound like a very promising project. I can see where it could be a beautiful display. Do youi have a concept sketch you can post?
You are correct. The left stained glass panel will be a mirror on the inside to add depth to the sky and fall trees. The right glass panel will look like a mountainside train tunnel with an arched stone facade on both sides. The locomotive in the display can be changed by driving it through the tunnel onto the open Douglas fir base. The top and front of the case will be clear glass for viewing. I managed to get half of the tree line done at the shop today but will finish up and have it fired in the kiln by next weekend - hopefully. Here is my back plate so far.
Keep the updates coming.
That's too bad.
I thought you would at least run the loco to the geothermal building. By the way, is that finished yet?