LGB 3280 roof panel mod, green

[blk69]

Concidering change the clear roof windows in my Penn Railroad LGB 3280 roof from clear to green. Similar to below (HO car but has colored glass for the roof). Were colored windows prototypical or were they alway clear? Car will be run outdoors (stored inside). If I do this modification was planning on affixing some green tint plastic behind the window for the color change (similar to the transparent green plastic in the old Lionel turn outs indicators). Rather not paint the windows as in the future may desire to go back to clear.

Curious if anyone has done something similar and if so what adhesive work best? Car will be run in temps between 20~90 deg F. Any guidance greatly apprechated.

 

[maxi-model]

Asked AI "were tinted skylights used on US clerestory roofed heavyweight cars". It replied - Yes, tinted glass was commonly used on US heavyweight clerestory roof railroad cars. The raised-center "clerestory" roofs featured rows of vertical accent windows on their sides. These were frequently outfitted with patterned or amber/green-tinted pressed glass to help filter harsh sunlight and reduce interior glare.

So, go for it. I would suggest carefully applied contact adhesive to center line of glazing bars on roof and match on tinted insert you are planning to use. Bit of brass wire (say 1mm max) in pin vise holder to apply adhesive to both surfaces (offers best control). You could used double sided tape but it will fail over time. Usual PVA adhesives used to fit clear parts a bit messy for this job. Max

Edit - I actually used this as a visual aid in instructions I included for the slot car models I produced 20 odd years ago. They were sold internationally. Hence the need for "visuals". Pin vice with wire to apply adhesive, in any language

 

[stevedenver]

I would highly Recommend/suggest using tamaya clear green paint. Or orange for amber.(amazon or tamayausa.com (nfi)

I use this a lot to tint bulbs, marker lens, church windows, etc. easy peasy. Excellent self leveling..probably fairly easy to remove with a long detergent soak and a fingernail…

Or, since you want reversible, a superb alternative, albeit a bit pricey, is high quality theatre lighting gels. These are about 12”x12’ sheets.

I used to cut these and insert into the lgb markers. The accuracy of the color was notable. Really looked like that unique switch lantern blue-green lens. I found mine on ….amazon. Get high quality. There are cheap offerings that are simply colored vinyl. A total waste of money…how might i know this?

Imho, the tamaya is your best, cheapest and easiest option.

You should be able to leave the clerestory glazing in place and simply paint, either the entire glazing, or just the pane portion.

Despite AI, i recently researched this, for a couple of old REA g scale ‘sierra’ style coaches. My conclusion was that tinting was rarely used, especially on the late 1800’s coaches. Not pullmans, but jackson sharp, carter brothers, etc. clerestory glass, it seems from my research, was clear frosted. I did colored anyway, ‘cos i liked it. While i love the clarity of a colored glass, i made mine translucent to cut bulb glare at night.

But, i think the colored clerestory would add interest and look great. Bachmann uses rose colored translucent (not transparent )clerestory glazing. Looks great imho. Especially at night, the translucent colored clerestory catchs the interior roof lights, but not the blub glare. It can be very noticeable. You didnt ask, but imho, rose, or amber is more harmonious with the brighter white light that shines through the coach windows.

Best