How I make HO scale multi-pane factory windows

Had a look around the house for something that could make a more convincing grid for my windows than just using a black sharpie. these are more work but they look much better. hope you can use this technique on your next kitbash or scratchbuild.

[@ModelingSteelinHO]

Matt ! Great idea with drywall tape . I have been thinking of how to make industrial windows for years. Without ever figuring it out. Thank you.

[@mattw9667]

And thank you sir for your numerous awesome ideas! Trying to find that 20 LPI lens - not too easy.

[@ModelingSteelinHO]

@@mattw9667 Check out a company here in the US by the name of Micro lens technology. You can buy a sample pack for around $40 US. Inside the sample pack is 20-40-60-80 LPI lenticular lense. I bought a couple sheets of 20 LPI lense about three years ago. Kinda expensive but worth the amount of corrugated HO siding look.

[@edhorst7212]

Great idea using drywall tape for window panes.. haven’t seen plastistrut in many years here in Fl.. best luck finding.

[@mattw9667]

Thanks Ed. Appreciate the comment

[@jorgernst9472]

Like the idea of the dry wall tape. I have been using the plastic needle point canvas sheets, which need to be cut out same as the dry wall tape for some types of windows. Like your idea better looks more realistc. I'll have to try it on my next build.

[@mattw9667]

Nice one Jorg. The built-in sticky side is a good feature. Glad you get some use out of the vid. Cheers

[@mattw9667]

Ran out of Plastruct Angle (Part # 90001). Sold out everywhere. Anybody got any in the Hamilton area?

[@uptownphotography]

Nice video and cool technique using the drywall tape.
Question please.
I need to build a lot of shallow background buildings for a (1930s-1940s era) large city area. I have currently been making them out of mat board. Is there an easy (or good way) to cut out accurate single window openings both in the mat board and also in thin wood clap board walls made for smaller buildings?
Is there a special tool or method to cut these opening? It's hard to cut out straight and square corners for window holes.
Again, super nice video and cool method you're using for factory windows.
Phil
NYC/Jersey Shore Area

[@mattw9667]

Morning Phil and thanks for the comment. What I do for openings is draw them in pencil and then drill out as much as I can. I'm using eastern white cedar so I then use a sharp knife to straighten the sides running with the grain. For the 2 sides against the grain I file and sand into the corners. A triangular file does a nice job squaring things up. Remember to cut back from the line and then sand or file to the line. You can also put a slight inward angle on the sanding board or file to sharpen up the exterior edge if you don't want a sill or if you're adding your own sill. Cheers

[@RoRo-zh4uf]

So exactly what is the name of that plastic you used for windows called? Because I asked my local Walmart and michaels store and they thought I was referring to plexiglass..🤔

[@mattw9667]

Hey RoRo. I've got kids so its mostly from the toy wrapping - the plastic windows that let the kids see what's in the box. Cheers

[@RoRo-zh4uf]

@@mattw9667 so I would have to go buy a kids toy for nothing just to get that kind of plastic huh? Lmaoo

[@mattw9667]

Or you could find a woman, yadda yadda, have a kid and then be forced to buy said toys with plastic windows but that is a long term option with all sorts of complexities. Really a lot to do just for a plastic sheet! The good news is, there are plastic windows on a great many products. I'm sure you'll come across some without having to do the above. ;-)