Comments on: Tim Purcell’s Plaza Hotel

By: Chris Brimley

Chris Brimley — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:37:30 +0000

Mike,
The stepped windows you mention is the window pattern on the back of Tim’s building I assume? A almost random pattern of windows was quite common on the backs & even sides of buildings of this era. While many did have full rows of windows on the backs & sides, primarily for air flow and light, many did not. Usually when you have a large block of buildings you just don’t need them also many of the fire codes of today didn’t exist then.

Also it was common to use a cheaper brick, for cost savings on the back & sides, thus creating a variation of color from the front facade. Generally you only see the same facade and window pattern on all four sides are exposed, such as a very tall structure or one that stands alone.

Also, on many buildings, it is common to run all of the mechanical items, elevator shafts and stair wells inside the building along the back. Doing so would make windows impractical.

By: Mike

Mike — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 03:53:29 +0000

I agree — it’s gorgeous. So take this as curiosity, not a criticism, but why are the windows on the back “stepped” rather than more akin to the front windows? A while ago, I bought a warehouse on Ebay (not nearly as well done, but more thn just okay for a background building) where the builder did the same thing and it kept bothering me so much that I didn’t use the building — and it was a warehouse.

I guess that maybe I’m asking so I can use the one I bought (or use similar modulars, albeit Walthers’ modulars) rather than sell it to someone who isn’t as curious and then trying to remember how to pack the monster up. I love the “heft” and the weathering on mine, I just can’t explain the windows….

Help…. :)

By: Frank Giacobbe

Frank Giacobbe — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 02:05:21 +0000

Chris and I rode by that and immediately both said….”Hey, it’s Tim’s hotel!” I knew you just had to see that!

By: Tim Purcell

Tim Purcell — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 02:02:57 +0000

Hey Frank….thanks for the pics…. looks familiar doesn’t it?…lol… Tim

By: Tim Purcell’s TNT Transfer : N Scale Limited

Tim Purcell’s TNT Transfer : N Scale Limited — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 16:08:04 +0000

[...] Purcell, the creator of the Plaza Hotel made partially of DPM modular walls has now submitted his latest project for us at N Scale Limited [...]

By: Jim Boyer

Jim Boyer — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:48:31 +0000

Tim, that really is a great looking building. Looks like all that time hanging around the jewelry counter paid off. Seriously, I wouldn’t have known that you used DPM walls if you hadn’t said it.
Jimmi

By: Frank Giacobbe

Frank Giacobbe — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:04:00 +0000

For Tim or Chris….quick question. I have an idea for these modulars, but I’m wondering if you can share some sizes in scale feel on these?

I’m specifically interested in:

1.) The height and width of the windows
2.) The spacing between the windows (horizontally)
3.) The height between floors (ie. bottom of a window to bottom of a window)

By: Tim Purcell

Tim Purcell — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:35:40 +0000

Hey gang…thanks for all the kind words. I had a lot of fun doing this thing actually. Funny thing is I am so used to seeing this thing on one end of my kitchen table ( that’s where I build)…. it looks almost naked now that there is no building there lol.
Frank I used actually 47 wall sections. They come as a pair, two panels together. I am thinking that if you could find the right size window a person could actually cut out the three small windows to make one big industrial type window or a huge multi-pained bay window if that makes sense… I know I just got Chris’s mind going there he could probably bang out a hundred or so custom built windows in no time at all..lol..anyway the next project is “The Monster” I will keep you updated soo don’t touch that dial. Tim

By: Frank Giacobbe

Frank Giacobbe — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:52:10 +0000

Tim, how many modular walls is that in total? Looks like 69 if I’m counting that right.

By: Bob

Bob — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:28:22 +0000

Tim as said, great job! You must feel proud of you accomplishment! A fantastic model!

Cheers, Bob.

Oh and I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!

all the best,
Bob