While waiting 6 months for the row boat to bring the Atlas switches I need to market, that I am probably too far down the list to get, I put my efforts into modifying two DPM Gripps kits into a multi-building China company. Was looking at ideas for window blinds and dirty windows technics and was experimenting. Being N scale a little harder to really add the details but wanted to give it a go. This may be old news but I stumbled onto something I thought I would share. I brushed a thin coat of Woodland scenics scenery cement on the back of the clear window material. After drying it was fairly transparent and added a subtle dirty look. With a very light touch you can rub off areas to give the center of the window a clear look leaving a slightly fogged edging. Looks like the effect can add even more impact to HO size. I compared a dull coat sprayed and a glue coated pane and the glue one looks much more realistic. If you want to make it dirtier to block the view in just add a second light coat.
Hi WPA,
your technique sounds worth trying out. [Y][8D]
Do you have photos that you can post on this thread?
Thanks, I love dirt.[:$]
This sounds like a good idea. I would also like to see a picture of what you have accomplished.
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-Kevin
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I’ve heard of techniques like that. I forget the last vidoe or tuorial I’ve seen, but your idea seems good!
You might even be able to smear it a little, or scratch a mark in it to simulate a cracked window paine.
Of course your in N scale, so I don’t know just how much is seen, unless this building is right up front on your layout.
Mike.
I tested it on a few panes and next chunk of structure time will go all in on the buildings details. Have never posted pics on here but will give it a go once I finish. I did use an Xacto to scribe lines in a few panes for a nice cracked look and boarded up a few. The film rubs of very easily so if you don’t like the look you can clean off and redo. Happy to say I made the cut on the batch of Atlas curved code 55 turnouts that landed today on Hobbylinc so may shift focus for a little bit.
I have a question, are we talking about old industrial building dirty windows? Or just ordinary dirty windows?
I must admit, it is not a feature I ever gave much thought to, or ever notice much in real life.
And in N scale no less, wow.
Sheldon
Was not going for super dirty look, was looking for something to dull the crystal clear pane that is very hard to even see. I wanted a subtle effect to give the windows some depth. I have been out of the hobby for a few decades and this is my biggest structure project since getting back into it so learning some new things I missed first go around.
Hi all
Get some betadine an Iodine based disinfectant paste or liquid mix with PVA glue and a little water mix put on window inside, get a cotton bud or a rolled up piece of kitchen towel rub in circular motion.
This will look like someone wiped the window with a rag.
You could also use an earth tone wash and PVA glue.
While on windows a spray of flat varnish will create frosted window for bathrooms etc.
regards John