As I was working with the laser cut windows that came with my recent kit build, I realized that I actually don’t mind windows after all… As long as they’re laser cut windows!
Hold the press.
Someone on the HO Scale Customs crew has just admitted to liking working with windows after all this time of complaining of them?
Yup.
An exception to our disdain of windows are laser cut windows (and doors), and that’s because of their flexibility and ability to be detailed way easier and have much more depth than typical plastic windows.
The great thing about laser cut windows is that they’re built in layers. This means that you can paint each layer of the door or window a different color. Or in the case of windows, you can position the window layers to be open or closed, and position the glass behind the windows accordingly to create the effect that this building is alive.
The cool thing about modeling open windows in your model is that it creates life. Unless it’s winter in your model railroad city, why would all of the windows be closed in every building?
By popping open your windows in a few of the windows in a couple of buildings, you’re adding life to your buildings and making it look occupied rather than “stiff” and closed up.
That’s the one thing I notice a lot on some of the older structures that we’ve done. All of the windows are closed and it makes the building look like nobody’s occupying it.
It’s Easy and Quick to Do!
The great thing is if the laser cut windows you get are cut on the adhesive-backed plywood, you can easily position the inside or bottom piece of the hung window to be up higher than the rest, giving it an open look! And if you don’t have the adhesive backed plywood for your laser cut windows, you can still easily do this, just apply a very thin layer of glue to the moving part of the double-hung window and position it just the same.
So the next time you’re working with laser cut window assemblies, don’t be afraid to experiment and pop open a couple of windows (if the window type allows for it). It will add life and character to your next build.
That’s of course if you’re doing a layout in a Spring/Summer/Early Fall setting. You don’t want to have windows if you’re modeling a late fall or winter scene of course.
The same rule applies to doors. If you’ve got a couple of doors on your build, especially on industrial or city businesses, try to pop a few open and make it look like the doors are open a bit. If you’re building a busy city, there would be some businesses with doors popped open, where customers or staff are frequently entering/exiting.
So don’t be afraid to open those doors and windows on your next build and make your structures look just a little more “alive”!
