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.
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
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.
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
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")
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
OldSchoolScratchbuilderSince this piece will shrink a little, I couldn't start the other sides of the case because of the new fired planar dimensions.
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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:
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.
Just curious.
Please continue to update. I am enjoying this project.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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 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.
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.
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.
Same contrails in turbulence, however, there will be objects placed in front of them eventually.
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.
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.
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.
Please continue to post pictures and give updates. It's very interesting.
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.
OldSchoolScratchbuilder 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.
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.
One, will he be able to drive the locomotive out of the case as you planned to do through the arched tunnel?
Two, will you have to part with your locomotive or will he supply one of his own?
Rich
Alton Junction
This is truly amazing looking forward to seeing more progress.
This is my glass palette where I place the glass that I crushed and sifted. These colours are ordinary stained glass (not the more expensive fusing glass). I coat the tree armatures with glue and dip them into the desired colour.
Working on the interface tree line between the tracks and back plate. The fir base inside the case will be completely ground covered. The viewer with not see wood or the round bases of the trees.
My mother had a piece of glass artwork called Windtree. The trees were made out of glass and stood in front of a glass background. The artist had the glass leaves (just like the ones you are using) blowing across the glass panel behind and it looked quite stunning. Looking forward to seeing how it turns out.
BATMAN My mother had a piece of glass artwork called Windtree. The trees were made out of glass and stood in front of a glass background. The artist had the glass leaves (just like the ones you are using) blowing across the glass panel behind and it looked quite stunning. Looking forward to seeing how it turns out.
That sounds amazing. I hope mine turns out like I envisioned.
Made a rough sketch of my glass tunnel portal so I can work with it tomorrow at the glass shop. Pieces are large enough to easily cut/grind, but fusing or both are also options. Also need to match this right glass case panel to the right edge area of the back panel to avoid colour and object discontinuities. May also use 3D objects in the display to make this corner transition look reasonable. That's why I left some empty blue sky near the right edge of the back panel.
My final thoughts for the night regarding the tunnel. It's width takes into account the 5-degree angle between the track and the backplate, however, I may leave another 1/2 " headroom in the tunnel depending on how high I think the roadbed might be.
Productive day at National Stained Glass Studio. Selected a stunning contoured glass for the stone tunnel portal. Every small piece has to be cut (if even possible) and ground. Will set up our new glass grinder tonight so I can do lots of intricate work at home.
Grinder all set up at home and now I am ready to continue with the tunnel portal.
Tunnel portal 'stones' have been cut. Now to investigate the best way to attach the pieces together and then to the full right case panel.
I take it that the grinder has a built in vacuum to prevent you from inhaling the glass particles. Do you wear a mask as well? (I'm assuming that eye protection is already part of the package.)
I have to say that I like the project more and more as it develops, but I do have to make one small, very picky observation. That is that your tunnel arch could not be built the way you have configured it. The arch should extend into the side walls instead of just butting up against them. The way you have done it, the arch would collapse immediately! Most people will never notice so if you don't want to do the arch over, just claim artistic license.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Dave: The grinder uses water to gather the glass. There are no airborne particles. Great observation on the arch support. I'll make some engineering adjustments. :)
Dave's suggestion was forwarded to the contractor who recommended this simple cost-saving fix for load bearing. This is what happens when you go with the lowest bidder! They will deliver the two new stones this week.