Dealing with that Steck Framework two-window piece

[Timotheos]

Has anyone found themselves wrestling seriously with the steck framework two-window piece?  For those of us who missed the old houses, all we have to work with is the framework door-window piece (not a problem) and the two-window piece (big problem).

The problem: the two-window piece has molded corners connectors, so it must always be an end piece and it can never connect to another framework two-window piece.

This makes it a real devil to do multi-story framework houses without using masonry pieces for the ground floor or at least one (or two) sides.  Also, this piece doesn't support a ceiling connector, so it must always run parallel to the ceiling.

I'll dig out the camera and post some examples of my strained work-arounds if this thread draws any interest.

I'm wondering if anyone who has acquired a lot of steck since 1995 finds themselves with the same problem.  The big-time convention go-ers get around this problem by having plenty of that old framework windowless pieces (no longer in production) which makes second floors a little easier to coordinate.  Having masonry steck for the ground floor makes it easier too, though it isn't possible to make a 4-unit long second floor of a framework house without stringing together door units.

For reference I swiped an image from Playmodb so people know what piece I mean.

-Tim

[Timotheos]

I guess an option would be to take the door off the door unit and cover the hole with a background the same color as the framework wood.  This would at least give one a maybe passable non-end piece.

I'll look into that next weekend. 

[Tiermann]

Yes I have dealt with this exact problem, it's really frustrating. I end up mixing it all up with Steck stonework pieces

[playmofire]

I guess an option would be to take the door off the door unit and cover the hole with a background the same color as the framework wood.  This would at least give one a maybe passable non-end piece.

I'm working on a similar idea but using the either the small open frame pieces or the full width ones with white plastic sheet filling in the open spaces.  I will then add a timber cross piece in brown half way down. 

As regards the door section, I think the piece filling in the doorway wants to be in white so it looks like the rest of the wall, again maybe with a timber cross piece half way down.  It wouldn't actually be too difficult to fit a window in the doorway with a bit of packing along the edge of the window frame (the window frame is narrow than the doorway), and, again, white plastic filling the rest of the open space and a timber spacer immediately below the window frame.

[Richard]

Yes I have dealt with this exact problem, it's really frustrating. I end up mixing it all up with Steck stonework pieces

Hmmm ... ! have solved the "problem" as you did, Tim. However, for some reason, I just accepted it. So, it was never frustrating. (Which, by the way, is totally unlike me to "accept" something and not want to change it.) ...

please see attachments

[Timotheos]

I'm working on a similar idea but using the either the small open frame pieces or the full width ones with white plastic sheet filling in the open spaces.  I will then add a timber cross piece in brown half way down. 

As regards the door section, I think the piece filling in the doorway wants to be in white so it looks like the rest of the wall, again maybe with a timber cross piece half way down.  It wouldn't actually be too difficult to fit a window in the doorway with a bit of packing along the edge of the window frame (the window frame is narrow than the doorway), and, again, white plastic filling the rest of the open space and a timber spacer immediately below the window frame.

That sounds really interesting, Playmofire.  When complete, it would be great if you could post.  The addition of the crossbeams sounds like the key to not having a strange-looking piece.  I think the thin wooden dowels I have in the basement might even work. 

To Tiermann:
Yeah, trying to get the pieces to work can be like a Rubik's cube.  I think there are literally only three combinations that work with that end piece.  I guess I could "think out of the box" and slide two houses side-by-side so it looks like they are connected... but...

-Tim

[Timotheos]

Hmmm ... ! have solved the "problem" as you did, Tim. However, for some reason, I just accepted it. So, it was never frustrating. (Which, by the way, is totally unlike me to "accept" something and not want to change it.) ...

please see attachments

Thanks Richard!  I See what you mean--like the half-house on the front gate.

BTW, the castle looks nice. 

-Tim

[Edit: PS: Is that an arrow standing upright behind your display?  There is a blurry yellow object that looks like it has an arrow's tail feathers.]

[Richard]

[Edit: PS: Is that an arrow standing upright behind your display?  There is a blurry yellow object that looks like it has an arrow's tail feathers.]

It does look a bit like an arrow ... doesn't it?

However, rather than coming from the bow of a giant Klicky, it's only the pole of a floor lamp ...
please see attachment