Trains.com

Scratch-built water tank

3488 views
19 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    May 2002
  • From: South Australia
  • 380 posts
Scratch-built water tank
Posted by toenailridgesl on Sunday, May 2, 2004 7:49 AM
Fellow microferroquinologists,
I've been slowly scratch-building a new water tank for the Toenail Ridge, using cedar wall panelling ripped down on the band-saw.
Info and progress photos here: http://www.trainweb.org/lgbofozclub/tank.html
Phil Creer, The Toenail Ridge Shortline,  Adelaide Sth Oz http://www.trainweb.org/toenailridge toparo ergo sum
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, May 2, 2004 9:29 AM
Wow.That is absolutely marvellous.Also had a wander around your website.Scratchbuilding in the true form.You should feel very proud.When I get more time (I have 4 children) I would like to do more scratchbuilding as I find it more satisfying and it is unique.My first and only attempt so far can be found at
http://members.lycos.co.uk/troybetts/fourphotogalery4.html
I have also built a wooden mine that is about 4 foot long.
I would post a picture of it but this forum won't let me copy and paste.Do all pictures have to be web based?
Hope to stay in contact,Troy
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Smoggy L.A.
  • 10,743 posts
Posted by vsmith on Monday, May 3, 2004 10:00 AM
I agree, very nicely done. That cedar should hold up really well outdoors.

   Have fun with your trains

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • 1,264 posts
Posted by bman36 on Monday, May 3, 2004 3:47 PM
Phil,
Very nice job! Looking at making one myself. What did you use to form the tank? Later eh...Brian.
  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Wisconsin
  • 67 posts
Posted by s51flyer on Monday, May 3, 2004 9:40 PM
Nice looking water tank Phil! The workmanship you can find in these threads is outstanding!

Bob...
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 4, 2004 9:25 AM
Hi
Try looking at the Toenail Ridge web site for info on the water tank.
I dont know if it will be there I havent had a look lately must do that.
Phils is a very good site with a lot of info on it.
As for the quality of the tank if if is anything like EGR Locomotive no2 which Phil very kindly built for me.
Then Phil had better bolt it down before I get a chance too get there
last I heard he is loking at making it water tight.
regards John
  • Member since
    May 2002
  • From: South Australia
  • 380 posts
Posted by toenailridgesl on Wednesday, May 5, 2004 12:14 AM
Have got some more done on the tank, it's nearing completion
Phil Creer, The Toenail Ridge Shortline,  Adelaide Sth Oz http://www.trainweb.org/toenailridge toparo ergo sum
  • Member since
    January 2014
  • 1,264 posts
Posted by bman36 on Wednesday, May 5, 2004 8:28 AM
Phil,
It is very obvious that you take pride in your work! Is that 1/2" copper pipe fittings you used for the spout? I was looking at your web site and saw how it was made. It did'nt seem to mention size unless I missed that. I'm glad GR was able to add this forum for us. The work we get to see is truly inspiring. That water tank could have been set out without all the details. Now that those are on...wow! Keep showing us what you are up to mate! Later eh...Brian.
[tup]
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, May 6, 2004 4:35 PM
Phil, I go along with the other compliments. You do great work and the trip thru your website was terrific. Along with Brian(bman36) I also would like some feedback on sizes of tubing and other dimensions. ^" tank dia but height of tank and base dimensions would be nice. I'll pay.

Bill
  • Member since
    May 2002
  • From: South Australia
  • 380 posts
Posted by toenailridgesl on Sunday, May 9, 2004 2:16 AM
Bill & others,
firstly, thank you all for the nice comments re my structures. Anyone have questions on how-to's, shortcuts etc, feel frree. I've either been there, done that, or I know someone who can point you in the right direction, one of the benefits of being on the net LS scene for 8 years! I have a page on my website specifically dedicated to shortcuts and buildiing tips.
Now tank specs. The water tank is built using a 1:20.3 scale ruler so:
tank diameter is 11ft
tank height is 8.5ft
Tank stand to base of tank is 12ft, tank timbers are 6in square.

In real measurements:
tank diameter 6.5 in. 165mm
tank height 5 in. 127mm
tank stand to base of tank 7 in. 178mm
support timbers 5/16th in 10mm

I've added the water level indicator but have yet to add the sliding pointer and the water valve gear. Family crisis is currently getting the way

Anyone want a 1:20.3 ruler? I have an Acrobat File of LS rulers in all scales from 1:32 to 7/8th, you just print 'em, cut 'em out, and laminate onto styrene sheet or similar. If there is a need for this I'll contact Rene and see if she can put it in a publicly accessable file here on the GR site. Or I'll add it to my website as a downloadable pdf file.
Thoughts?

Phil Creer, The Toenail Ridge Shortline,  Adelaide Sth Oz http://www.trainweb.org/toenailridge toparo ergo sum
  • Member since
    January 2014
  • 1,264 posts
Posted by bman36 on Sunday, May 9, 2004 1:05 PM
Phil,
I would find that very usefull considering I have nothing of the sort. Set it up however you wish. Sorry , I am referring to the scale ruler. I enjoy your website! Later eh...Brian.
  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: long island
  • 110 posts
Posted by jmozz on Friday, May 21, 2004 10:10 PM
wow i sure could use a 1:20.3 scale ruler jmozz thanks
  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: long island
  • 110 posts
Posted by jmozz on Saturday, May 29, 2004 9:52 PM
are you going to share the plans for that water tank jmozz
  • Member since
    May 2002
  • From: South Australia
  • 380 posts
Posted by toenailridgesl on Sunday, May 30, 2004 3:46 AM
jmozz,
there aren't any plans, I just built it as I went along and anyway, I reckon the step-by-step instructions on the website are sufficient for anyone to make a version of their own. Any problems just ask and I'll try to help but the fun thing about scratch-building is doing it yourself, including learning as you go.
Step by step pix here: http://www.trainweb.org/lgbofozclub/tank.html

I still need to post pix of the water release valve and water gauge pointer but my Dad died and life has been hectic.
Phil Creer, The Toenail Ridge Shortline,  Adelaide Sth Oz http://www.trainweb.org/toenailridge toparo ergo sum
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: indiana
  • 792 posts
Posted by joseph2 on Sunday, May 30, 2004 8:48 AM
Phil,I REALLY enjoy your stories about the Toenail Ridge.Thanks for posting them.They remind me of the Fiddletown & Copperopolis cartoons.Keep up the good work. Joe G.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, May 30, 2004 11:45 PM
Phil,

Sorry to hear about your father. Gods speed my friend.

William
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, May 31, 2004 9:39 AM
Again, my sincerest sympathies on the death of your father.

Thanks for all help and information

Bill
  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: long island
  • 110 posts
Posted by jmozz on Monday, May 31, 2004 2:49 PM
phil you are right see it plan it then build it and have fun i do have one question your model t"s are great where did you get the wheels
  • Member since
    May 2002
  • From: South Australia
  • 380 posts
Posted by toenailridgesl on Monday, May 31, 2004 7:43 PM
jmozz,
the wheels for the Model Ts come from $2 motorcycle toys from the cheap junk shop. Check out the toy aisles in K-mart etc or cheap Asian stores for wheels of the right size.
Joseph, thank you for the nice comments re my stories....do you happen to know a publisher? :)
William & Bill, I appreciate your kind thoughts.
Phil Creer, The Toenail Ridge Shortline,  Adelaide Sth Oz http://www.trainweb.org/toenailridge toparo ergo sum
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 13, 2004 7:42 AM
Phil

What a great job you have done, very talented!!! I am going to give the water tower a try , but im pretty sure it wont be as good as yours :-)

seeing how your railroad has grown, gives me hope! I got mine up and running just a few weeks ago.Hopefully it will become a really nice place !!
Thanks for shareing

Jeff

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Garden Railways newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Garden Railways magazine. Please view our privacy policy