I would like to make some awnings for a small HO commercial building. I would like to have a noticeable sag in it and have a faded look. Any suggestions on what material to use. I can’t seem to get the look I want with what I’ve been trying so far. Thanks Brent
Heat it up with a soldering iron (radiant heat, not direct).
David B
Earl Smallshaw had an article in the August 2000 Model Railroader that included awnings made with painted aluminum foil - it got the sag just right. “Making Structures Unique.”
Dave Nelson
While we often see models with awnings displaying a decided sag (more or less to provide character), such was by no means typical in the real world. If you examine period (say pre 1950’s) urban photos, you’ll quickly appreciate that nearly all commercial awnings were quite taut when in their lowered position. Really old and wornout awnings might have shown some sag but you’ll find countless street scene images on-line showing whole store blocks with awnings shading their windows with not a sag to be found!
CNJ831
There are 2 things that i can think of. 1 you can try a gauze or toilet paper and paint it. 2 make a plastic awnings and then melt it with a torch just enough until it sags a tiny bit. I would recommend a little bit of practice for option number 2
I scratch built several HO scale buildings on my layout using paper for the awnings. A pattern was printed using my HP inkjet printer, and I coated the paper with White Rain Extra Hold hair spray on both sides to stiffen it. The support frame was fabricated from music wire and strip styrene.
Growing up in the 40’s and 50’s, I remember that just about every store in the neighborhood had awnings. I sight that I always enjoyed was after a heavy rain, the canvas awnings would be sagging under the weight of collected rain water. The proprietor would empty them by cranking them all the way open - often having to push up with a broom to empty the water - you didn’t want to be too close. Would make a great model scene. [swg]
Chuck
If you’re talking canvas awnings, mine were made with paper, printed with a pattern made up in MS Paint program. Supported by fine copper wire. It takes a little bit of trial and error to place the side supports at the right height to get a sag . Careful bending upwards of those side supports gives the sag.
Mike
That’s what I remember, Mike. Those store fronts could just as easily been a scene in Cleveland, Ohio in the 40s-50s where I was growing up. Nice! [tup]