Would having a layout hit by direct sun through windows for even part of each day be considered an absolute no go? Is there a protective spray coating that can be applied to scenery, structures etc… that would protect it adequately? Thanks for any info on this. Rob
I would think it a bad idea. Shades?
I would think it is a bad thing. Blinds in my train room haven’t been opened in 5 years.
In my opinion, the best ‘coating’ is a set of Venetian blinds, or an opaque (steel?) canopy outside. If direct sun only gets to certain parts, you will have some very odd-looking scenery.
On a young lady, tan lines look cute. On a layout…[:-^]
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - in a sun-proof garage)
I haven’t seen it, but a couple of years ago we were discussing lighting and someone mentioned that flourescents will fade the scenery over time due to its emission of ultra-violet light, some stronger than others. So, if flourescents will do that, imagine what direct sunlight will do. If you like the sunlight, or kind of need it, buy some anti-UV film for your window.
Several years ago, the morning sun shining through a clubhouse window caused the roof on one of my Rivarossi passenger cars to buckle into a U shape, even with a thin curtain over the window.
bad bad bad bad get some curtains
Obr
The windows in my train room are covered completely by the backdrop. Not so much as a glimmer gets in.
Allow the sunlight in until your equipment is faded to the desired shade, then install the blinds. Could be an interesting weathering technique.
When I was a kid, and had mostly all Tyco and AHM equipment I used to leave them in my eastward facing bedroom window to fade to a more realistic shade. It worked very well, except on anything painted white, which got a slightly yellow tint to it. Ususally it was two weeks of summer sun, per side, and it came out looking faded and more realistic. Not bad before I had my airbrush.
Cheers!
~METRO
Doesn’t affect my garden railroad. However the HO is in the basement and there is no sunlight there.
Bob
Same thing happened to a couple of my old rivarossi passenger cars [xx(]
Hi,
Direct Sun on a layout for any length of time (cumulative exposure over time) will fade colors and can dry out scenery. I bought some wood slat blinds from Lowe’s and they custom cut them to fit the odd sized window in my train room. I sprayed them sky blue, and usually have them tilted upward, which allows some light, but not direct light.
An extreme example of what the sun can do was when I built a plastic model “Studelac” car, basically a 1/24 scale Studebaker with a Cadilac motor, etc., etc. It was beautiful, and I left it on my bookcase next to a window which got direct sun all day long. Two days later I noticed it was a warped mess, and while it really upset me, it was I lesson I learned well.
ENJOY,
Mobilman44
You’d have to remember to keep turning the equipment so it cooks evenly on all sides.
Kevin
Being that my 5 X 7 is on casters, I just move it out of the sunlight that streams into the garage in the afternoon…which I will agree with everyone who has answered is not a good thing for your layout at all…