What do you guys use to simulate a tarped load (IE a car on a flat car, general stuff that would need tarped,etc). I am really hesitant to use foil because of one question- if it fell on the tracks, could it cause a short?
(My Model Railroad, My Rules)
These are the opinions of an under 35 , from the east end of, and modeling, the same section of the Wheeling and Lake Erie railway. As well as a freelanced road (Austinville and Dynamite City railroad).
I've always heard of taking tissue or toilet paper, draping it over the load, then using a brush to wet it with diluted white glue. Once hardened, you can air or drybrush the tarp. As a final touch you could break out the weathering pastels and india ink (any drybrushed paint should really do) to help bring out the folds & creases. With the right pastels, you can help give an idea as to which region the car is coming from.
As for the load itself, (assuming you never want to uncover it) simple wood scraps in the general shapes of machinery parts, concrete tubing, etc. will suffice. The draped paper will hide many an imperfection in the scraps, so long as their general shapes are fine. It's been advised one should paint the load itself a general color related to what it's intended to represent. From what models I've personally seen done with the painted tarp, I don't beleive it's necessary- the advice to paint the load might be linked to painting your scenery base in case the groundlayer of scenery is nicked so you don't see pink/ blue foam.
Ditto to the tissue and diluted glue. I've used Kleenex with good results. The weight of the water/glue mixture gives it a realistic sag, and when the glue dries it holds that shape.
Steve S
I have seen some excellent tarps made with foil (painted). I suppose if it fell just right (that is, just wrong) on the track it could cause a short - and that is what circuit breakers are there to deal with. A properly braced load should not fall off very often, tarp or no tarp.
Dave Nelson
How To, One way,of many:
http://modeltrains.about.com/od/Open-Loads/ss/Scratchbuilding-Tarped-Loads-For-Model-Train-Cars.htm
Frank
I asked a similar question some time ago. Similar answers to what you are getting. Tried 2 ply facial tissue, fell apart, I think this is one place where the generic wasn't as good as original Kleenex or other quality brand. Also tried a thin cloth, mine was too heavy.
Unfortunately other things interrupted life on the rr, so further experiments are on hold.
I did use scraps of foam to represent the item under the tarp. Easily carved into any shape you think your load might have.
Good luck,
Richard
There was an artical on this in an MRR issue a few years ago. Some of the materials suggested included plastic shopping bags and tissue paper. Another suggestion was a paper bag that you sand a bit so it bends/folds like a real tarp.
I was going to try the new Woodland Scenics Shaper Sheets for a tarped load. After I finish my layout scenery I should have some small scraps left. I have lots of balsa wood blocks ready to go.
Mine doesn't move.......it's at the station!!!