You used WHAT to make that???!!!

[bman36]

Good day eh,
Over the years we all come across nifty ideas or items we use for scratchbuilding. After a post to Carpenter Matt I decided to start this thread. Tell us what "strange" items you have used to make anything needed for your railroad. Someone mentioned earlier using "hatpins" for door knobs. How about Pringles cans as a cylinder for a water tank? C'mon guys (and gals), tell us your tricks! I'll bet we can come up with a lot of "I never thought of using that before!" Have fun. Later eh...Brian. [:D] [8D] [:D]

[vsmith]

I think we've all used Coffee Cans for water tanks, I built a couple of structures using 1/2" redwood strips avalible at Home Depots gardening area. and Yes I was thinking of using Pringles cans for a grain tower.

In Kitbashing I use these small brad nails clipped short for rivets, its very tedious work but nothing looks better. I have heard of using "Stompers" battery operated vehicles for speeders but as they when out of production years ago I havent had the chance to try that out. I have used two MDC speeders and the basis for two different full cabbed diesel engine critters, I used a Bachmann flatcar, two Aristo powered trucks and an AMC General kit to bash a Dunkirk type geared engine together.

For my indoor layout I am going to use foam core boards as the substructure for my scratchbuilt buildings so they will be light enough to move for access. I used an "O" scale Bachmann coaling tower, some LGB bridge pier segments and sheet styrene to bash a G scale coaling tower, looks pretty good . Folmer of Germany makes printed cardstock brick and stone sheets that work great in background structures where your not looking too close. Dollhouse suppliers make almost anything you might want for interiors.

I havent got too "creative" yet, but as I get more into the structures on my layout I anticipate some unusual applications, like using O scale structures in the background, or dryed plants and seeds like pumpkin seeds glued together to create cactus.

[bman36]

Hey Vic,
This is just what we need to see. Awesome ideas! Keep em comin' everyone. Later eh...Brian.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bman36

Hey Vic,
This is just what we need to see. Awesome ideas! Keep em comin' everyone. Later eh...Brian.

What do y'all use as "bands" on your watertower structures? I was thinking maybe some heavy gauge foil tediously and preciously cut or folded into bands, but I am wondering what else might be used.

[toenailridgesl]

Scratch-built gas pumps...
The main body of the pumps is plastic tubing from a cheap towel rail...
the 'glass' reservoir is the top from a spray bottle..
the hose is the neutral wire from household 240v wiring..
the hose nozzle is cut down from garden mini-sprayer components...
..and the round signs on top are the caps from wine bottles.

[toenailridgesl]

Capt. asks "What do y'all use as "bands" on your watertower structures? "
On my recently built water tower I made the bands from cedar strips, contact cemented in place. The most commonly used idea is picture hanging wire, preferably sested in rebated slots in the tank boards. Adding Ozark Miniature turnbuckles gives a nice finish.

[toenailridgesl]

The roof brackets visible under the rafters
are slices cut from a 35mm film canister

[Anonymous]

Well after a long day my buddy said he would do my graphics because I am abit dumb in that area.[|)]
But every store I go in my brain goes into G Scale mode.
From Hardware to Wal-Mart, $1.00 Store to any toy store and I have my handy http://www.thescalecard.com/ with me. [:D]
Really you can find alot for G Scale in normal stores.
Anyways I will leave you with this http://www.coolballs.com/ something I picked up today [:D]

[bman36]

Phil,
Thanks for the submissions! It is amazing what we can use out there. LOVE those gas pumps too! Now that is creative. Later eh...Brian.

[bman36]

Capt. C.,
Ever see the metal bands used in warehouse packing? Usually found in various widths and FLAT. Depends I guess if you want flat or the cable type. I'm sure the flat kind could be found in any number of warehouses. Later eh...Brian.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bman36

Capt. C.,
Ever see the metal bands used in warehouse packing? Usually found in various widths and FLAT. Depends I guess if you want flat or the cable type. I'm sure the flat kind could be found in any number of warehouses. Later eh...Brian.

Might these things be bought at LOWE's, Wal*Mart or McCoys? There aren't many warehouses I can visit in South Texas. Thanks, I will keep my eye out for those.

[bman36]

Joe,
Any big hardware store should have it. I'm just concerned you may have to buy a whole roll of it. Another way I have seen it is the plastic type that is wrapped around cardboard boxes. You know the stuff that seems impossible to cut off when you buy a new shelf or something? That could be painted black or whatever colour you want it. The plastic kind would be safer to use also. Later eh...Brian.

[Anonymous]

Hi all
Add ice cream sticks for building walls and wagon loads,
film canister and three staples to make rubish (Garbage) bins.
a 4" bulit head nail and film canester for the type of bins found on
station platforms.
For those doing the fishemans hut that was in GR mag fish net stocking for the nets with small beads for the floats
lace and white stocking for those kitchen curtains.
The white buttons with numbers on them that electicians use on power points in large buildings would make ideal G house numbers
One Phil sugested too me the other day small plastic kniting needles
for the stench pipe on the out house could also be used for the flue on the stove with a little work for the china mans hat on the top.
thats my thoughts you asked for strange so I made sure there was a couple of strange ones the message, don't over look anything comes to mind
with a little bit of thought the world is one giant model supply house
One last thought tooth paste tube lid and Z scale fruit tree for pot plant
regards John

[toenailridgesl]

I have a page here: http://www.trainweb.org/toenailridge/articles.html
which is just about this very topic, using bits 'n pieces to get the end result.

[bman36]

Phil,
Great articles! The asphalt shingles are great. Here we call it emery cloth but if you say wet/dry sandpaper you will for sure find what you need. Question though. It only comes in black. I'm wondering if you have ever tried to paint it? If so what kind of paint worked? Lot's of great tips on that page. Good for you. Later eh...Brian.

[bman36]

Hey All,
Here is one to add to the list. Made some street lamps using 1/2" copper pipe for the pole and miniature salt shakers for the globe. Found these at WalMart at 1.50 for two. I turned them upside down and hot glued the lid to the pipe. Put a bulb inside and a chrome nut on top of the globe. Look pretty neat. Sorry I cannot post a photo. Phil I will send you a pic. of this one. Later eh...Brian.

[Anonymous]

Originally posted by vsmith

I think we've all used Coffee Cans for water tanks,

For those that want the square tanks more common in the UK and used in a lot of places in Australia
Next time you buy tea get the Twinnings in the square tin that will give you the tank
then build a stone or timber stand for it.
regards John

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