Pipeline sections from cash register paper rolls

[OldSchoolScratchbuilder]

Using empty paper rolls from the hobby shop‘s cash register and adding machine for pipeline sections and other industrial applications.

 

 

 

[PC101]

You are a true model railroader, ''Free is good".

While we are on adding machine paper rolls. If you watch yard sales, basement sales and get the whole roll, paper and tube for real cheap or free. Make a pencil mark around the paper roll the width you want. Sticking a correct fitting dowl rod in the center of the plastic roll to use as handles to keep fingers away from blade, use a very fine band saw blade and cut around the paper the correct width of an HO scale roll you want to end up with clean though the paper roll then remove the dowl rod and compleat the cut though the plastic tube. Now with that piece cut, knock out the plastic tube (which is then painted rust and tossed in a gondola). Then with a 1/16'' square x 3'' wood stick split on the end to match the width of the paper, roll the paper starting at the center in a tight roll till you get the diameter you want, cut and glue the edge. If need be, put the paper rolls cut edges to a disc sander to smooth the ends. Sorry I can't show a pictures which would be worth a thousand words more or less (no photo hosting site). It does not take long at all, matter of fact cutting the roll is the most time consuming.

Oh and this process can be used to make ''steel coils'' also. Just paint the paper to match the metal you want and don't forget the banding and blocking, rail roads do not like damage claims.    

[cedarwoodron]

I have made propane tanks and large diameter pipe loads from pvc fitting commonly available at Lowe's and Home Depot. I use the two part pvc primer and adhesive for any assembly, then sand the meeting point between two pieces (if I want a longer section or am making an industrial tank) then use Squadron putty to fill any remaining gap and sand again until smooth. Pvc end caps work well to close off ends. Because the pvc pieces are very smooth I sand all over with 400 grit garnet paper for a bit of "tooth" before primer painting, then paint a flat white with a final overlay of dullcote. Safety note- with smaller pieces of pvc, cut to desired length using a hacksaw, Atlas rail saw or a Zona saw manually. Do not try to cut on a bench top miter saw- your control of the cut is always less than sturdy and you risk kickback. 

Cedarwoodron

[dknelson]

OldSchoolScratchbuilder

Using empty paper rolls from the hobby shop‘s cash register and adding machine for pipeline sections and other industrial applications.

Yes -- while I cannot offhand think of a prototype pipe or cylinder that actually looks like that, they look so, well, "industrial" that there almost has to be a prototype out there ... somewhere.

Modelers have been using Scotch tape and other tape rolls for years, but another free item is the bushing or small cylinder that is inside the dental floss container.  Indeed the holder for that bushing is also rather industrial looking in most floss containers.  At least you'll be making your dentist happy if you floss more often.

Dave Nelson

[OldSchoolScratchbuilder]

dknelson

while I cannot offhand think of a prototype pipe or cylinder that actually looks like that

 

These are next generation pipes designed for transporting magma on the surface. The are reinforced with perriferal inline metal rods and flash inhibitors.