Candy, photos of your step by step details would be enlightening to beginners who want to learn. Your instinctive techniques are not obvious to those who have never seen them in person. Your final structures can be overwhelming to a beginner thinking "I could never do that."
Okay then.... For those of you that never build anything from DPM modular systems let me tell you about it. Different wall pieces are available. First floor with store fronts or loading docks and second floor parts with blank walls or window walls. Different windows are available. There are also two story wall pieces. But you must remember to look at the size because they may not be compatible. Every parts package comes with complete instructions. You can also get instructions on line. These parts have to be cleaned up so sit down with a glass of (your choice ) and nippers, sanding sticks and straight edge. Work, drink and watch the Red Sox win again ! Now these are packed four wall in every package with pilasters and or windows and doors. You can make a 4 wall building section one story for $10. So if you are planning a big one it will get expensive. Here is what they look like. Just a sample.
Candy, I went to a trans-league game years ago when the SOX were playing the Atlanta Braves, I was wearing a Braves cap. A "gentleman" in front of me took exception to my cap, accusing me of being a traitor. I informed him I was rooting for the BOSTON Braves. His silence was golden.
So I've cut two pieces of .060 styrene to fit inside the space of the two blank walls. Sanding, sanding, sanding ! They fit perfectly. Sprayed them flat black. Now I have a sign board that makes the pilaster in the middle disappear. After I paint it black, that is.
Never thought of using microscope slides. I assumed any glass would be more expensive than cheap clear plastic. Now I know why your buildings look so good when the interiors are lit.
btw - Cover slips for slides can also be used. (Glass cover slips, 100 pieces per box. 22mm x 22mm. Thickness 0.13mm - 0.17mm. @ $4.50 a box). They're thinner!
Candy, Could you elaborate a bit on how you cut the glass to size when need be? It's a very interesting idea I (among others, I'm sure) would like to try in the future.
Well my televisions and computer shut down on me early last night so I couldn't answer sooner. I like Alley Cat the best, but think Miss Cindy will do wonder as always.
How do you cut the cover slips? I got some to try, but when I try to score and break them they just shatter, or break in an irregular direction. I have yet to make a straight cut successfully. I really want to master the technique 'cause it makes the best windows.
Here is a nice demo of cutting coverslips using tungsten scriber though a diamond one would probably work as well. http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/blog/1391/entry-14138-cutting-cover-slips/
Thanks for the link, John. Very informative. As a side note, the cover slips are slightly more than half a scale inch thick in HO. Should produce a very realistic result.
BTW - sizes can also get to 40x24mm. "Fisherbrand™ Superslip Cover Slips, Size: 40 x 24mm; 78 per 1 oz. Pack"
I agree that some more in details would be wonderful. Especially with your skill level. I did build some structures when I was an early tee but, those were simile plain wood mangers for the most part.