Recently purchased a USA Alco S4 for my layout. I picked it because it fit in the era that I wish to run (if possible) early 40's + and the S4 was not built then but the S2 was and the only difference between the 2 from what I understand is the type of trucks. Figured most would not know the difference at it is a pretty recognizable engine with cab in the rear like a steam engine. Now I've built a coaling tower, water tank and a sanding house for my steam engines, but didn't have any fuel for my diesel, So being as I only have 1 diesel I didn't figure I needed too big a one. Started with a 1 1/4" pvc reducing slip "T" the branch part is 1/2" pvc, then cut the ends off 2 1 1/4" caps with rounded ends and glued the together. did a little sanding to remove signs of a joint. Also cut the end off a 1/2" cap for the top. Added some styrene strip to simulate hinges, and a train car break wheel for detail. The end of the caps had the brand name of LASCO so I removed the L and now says ASCO which is the name of a large industrial company that is in solenoids and liquid movement. If you remember the European tank car that I turned into lumber company water tank, well I had the upper structure left over with the ladders and for the base I had the tops that had been cut off of aristo craft transmission towers. wound up fitting pretty good. Labeled it with silhouette machine. Whole project cost about $ 5.00 and a couple of afternoons.
JJ, not sure whether your being serious or facetious. If it needs more color what color should it be, always open to suggestions. I have enclosed a current picture of the tank showing the top better, Thanks Bill
IMHO Loooks fantastic the way it is !!
I would/do protect it with ; http://www.krylon.ca/products/uvresistant-clear-coating/ gloss and matte offering !
Outdoor application and curing/gasing-out due to toxic ingredients.
On to the next .... ? :)
doug c
Did much the same about a dozen years back. I 'built' it in the garage during the winter time at night, (COLD for San Diego tandards). That summer on about day 4 of 100 plus daily temps I was doing some weed maintenance when I heard a 'pop' and something hit my face. It was the cap for the dome top. Don't know your temp variations, but, you might want to consider drilling a small 'vent hole' in the bottom of the tank. I had painted mine a redish black, when I went to shove the top back on I saw the body of the tank had deformed a bit from heat expansion. Did not use any glue when I 'built' it. For the fuel delivery hose I used a kids swirley straw, the kind that has several loops in the dtraw.
Tom Trigg
Mine sat attop a plasctic "concrete" bridge pier left over from my HO days.
rbrr IMHO Loooks fantastic the way it is !! I would/do protect it with ; http://www.krylon.ca/products/uvresistant-clear-coating/ gloss and matte offering ! Outdoor application and curing/gasing-out due to toxic ingredients. On to the next .... ? :) doug c I spray all my stuff with dull or matt coat krylon, takes the sheen off and protects the paint, thanks Bill
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