N scale structure interiors - worth it?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi,

I was wondering what the general opinion is of putting interiors into N scale structures? I don’t know if the time and effort would be worth it, given the size.

Cheers,

tbdanny

2

I have interiors in most of my HO scale structures now. One thing I’ve learned is that the window size is the determining factor. I have a couple of buildings with reasonably nice interiors that were certainly not worth the effort, even in HO. Those small, multi-paned windows allow almost no visibility into my “artistry.” You really need storefront display sized windows to see anything inside, even in HO.

If you can leave a large loading dock door open, by all means, go ahead and detail the interior. But, if you’re looking through the windows of a typical second-floor office, forget it.

3

It’s fun to do, even if you end up being the only one who knows they’re there!

Lee

4

Build your layout at 60" height and do the foreground buildings. If the layout is 36" in high and you are of average height then you are viewing from about 300 feet away. So if a door or window opens about all you can see is a light from inside. Just my[2c] BILL

5

I’d say that it depends on the structure…some buildings are meant to have interiors and others are not. I’ve only managed to fill a couple of DPM buildings with interior pictures myself.

6

Unless you are modeling a abandon town no.

.If you are modeling a thriving town then yes interiors are important.IMHO nothing says “closed” or “abandon” then a town that has businesses with no window or interior detail…Even industries looks “busier” with detailed interiors since it adds to believability.On the same token there is nothing wrong with a vacant store with a “For Lease” sign in the window.

The best part part most industrial interiors can be rip rap…The cover from disposable razors can be painted green and used as conveyor belts or work stations.Spruns from kits can be use for piping.Vats,interior tanks,machinery can be made from scrap pieces of Plastruct.Use cheap figures as workmen.

Look again at Lee’s 84 lumber.Notice how Lee stack lumber by the open door.This gives the illusion there is lumber inside…[tup]

So is interior worth it? IMHO Absolutely! Buildings just look better with interior regardless of scale.

7

An EZ way is to print a store interior on card stock and glue it in behind the windows about 1/4" or so.

8

Yes it is worth it. I’ve seen some very impresive interiors that were in N scale and the end result was well worth the time invested.

9

My initial inclination was to say “If you are interested in a ‘contest quality’ model–yes. Otherwise go with Allen McClellan’s ‘just enough’ philosophy.” I’ve always shied away from interior detailing–I have done some but not much–however, having examined wm3798’s photographs and read Brakie’s and others comments, I’m not so sure that, in this regard, a ‘just enough’ attitude is not, in reality, a representation of laziness.

And, as George Will noted, “Genius . . . . . sometimes consists of knowing when to stop!” . . . . . which I will now do.

10

In N scale, or any scale, it really depends on what the viewer will see:

  • Contest entry with removable roof - go for everything, down to the salt shakers on the dining room table. The judges will be impressed, even if they need Opti-Visors to see it all.

  • Big window at short range - go part way. Something white on the back of the couch, but don’t bother to model the pattern of the lace doily. Big machines, but not the oil can (unless it’s a 55 gallon drum.) Storefront display, with just a suggestion of life beyond the show window.

  • Small, multi-paned window at short range - suggest modeling with a photo on the far wall, and maybe a single figure if appropriate.

  • Seen at longer range - just a hint if lighted for night operation, otherwise probably not worth the effort. Roller window shades can conceal a multitude of things, or be backlighted to suggest a few. (Why is the melody to Two Silhouettes on a Shade running through my mind?)

  • Even if the viewer can’t see in, occupancy can be simulated. That factory with glass block walls for example. Does it give off the whine of saws cutting wood, or the intermittent thump of a triphammer? How about the engine start and idle sounds from the gas station’s attached garage?

If you’re setting up a display layout for public consumption, you will need more detail. If you’re a lone wolf, the only ‘structures’ which will enter your consciousness while operating a dense schedule TTTO fashion will be signals and passenger platforms (but not the stacked newspapers at the newshawk’s kiosk thereon.) Detail should be arranged accordingly.

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with hints, no