After looking at some photos of prototype passenger cars, I noticed that the windows shades were almost the same color as plain Manila folders.
I cut them into 1/2" strips, and long enough to slightly overlap the end windows. I drew a guideline 1/8" from the top edge.
I then made pencil marks that lined up with the posts between the windows. Then, using a small square, I drew lines from the guideline to the bottom of the strip.
Using a straightedge and a utility knife with a fresh blade, cut the strip from the guideline to the bottom edge. I prefer the utility knife, because of its thicker blade doesn’t flex like a #11 Exacto blade. Then, I stagger cut the strip between the cuts to make it appear that the shades have been pulled to different lengths.
Then, glue or tape the strips into the car, making sure they are aligned with the window openings. Since this car has no interior or lighting, I used simple masking tape since it won’t show once the car is put back on the frame.
Marion … Thanks for sharing your good idea. … I have alternatively used common masking tape for window shades, and it is easy to cut and install inside windows.
The stiffness of manila folders is very handy but for some railroads you will need to paint the window shades. I have seen some prototype shades that are blue and others reddish brown.
Made my window shades on my Amtrak cars out of an index card. On the blank side, I just ran it through my color printer and printed a solid gray color on it. I then cut out the shades I wanted and used small pieces of tape to tape them in place. I made just enough to give my cars a “lived in” look, and with their being taped in place, I can remove them or change them if I want.
Next time you visit your big-box store go to the paint department and start collecting the color sample drifts in whatever appropriate colors you may want (a few at a time [:O]) the store I visit has some larger sized ones that are handy for interior partitions in structures as well as these window shades.
Anybody remember the first run of Broadway Limited California Zephyr cars that had the blinds printed on the outside of the windows??
Rapido includes shades on their Budd passenger cars, a nice touch. (BLI and Walthers have better window gaskets, though)
A CP Park series car above:
And this is the C-P prototype coach in PRR F.O.M. colors but the window shades sure look nice. See what I mean about the gaskets?
I almost threw away several rolls of silvery thermal paper from an old printing calculator I had then I thought better and saved it. Glad I did as it makes great shades for lightweight cars. I recall a silvery, reflective backing
Excellent work, Medina! Tan was a popular color for window shades back in the day, for homes as well. Window shades, blinds, and curtains add a really nice, realistic flavor to passenger cars.
Respectfully, just one note of caution for those targeting a white or gray shade appearance. If you are keeping your units for the long term, try to avoid using copy/notebook paper or inexpensive tape as in they will eventually turn “yellowish” in appearance.
This is why I now use styrene for my window shades:
