how do i scratch build gasoline storage tanks

[relucas]

I am in the process of constructing a ship to tank car loading facility in a limited amount of space. Does anyone know how , or what i could use to scratch build some good looking gasoline storage tanks . I need to make them try to fit the area. I know they sell all kinds but i need to make ones to fit my purpose . With all the talented people out there someone has to have done it before. Thanks for your help.

[krump]

not sure how large (prototype) you are trying to work with, but on our club layout, a standard yard-type fuel tank was added to the sawmill yard.
this fuel tank is typical of those located on farm property etc to gas up the farm machinery.
though it was done prior to my involvement with the local club, I'm told that they used a common child's pink eraser (elementary school days), filing it into shape, painting it grey, and weathering it, then placing it on the yard-stand... this basic creativity really impressed me (it looks great) I'm not sure that is what you are after though.

[Anonymous]

Just bury them and put a rusty metal plate in the parking lot. LOL I used PVC pipe from the hardware and added styrene tops. Ladders and rails were a pain and are made from brass wire and brass stock soldered together. Same with valves. The welds were simulated by drawing lines with a paint pen and and then painting with spray paint. The cleanouts were made out of paperpunched cardstock with paint pen spots for bolts. It's time consuming and if I had to do it again I would buy kits. FRED

[BNSFNUT]

You could use plastic pipe (PVC) for the tank sides and use plastic for the top.
I've done this a few times and it works well, the only thing is cuting the pipe square.
Most pipe is sold in long sections but some places have short sections for the do it yourself types. I got my pipe from a local plumber who gave me the scraps from a job.

[Anonymous]

Another suggestion:

Check out the Rix kits. They have variety of tanks and they come in sections so you can customize the height to what you need. While I love to scratch build, these come with the rivets and the standing weld seams molded on and they look great when complete.

Guy

[jrbarney]

RELucas,
You didn't stipulate what scale, or the general shape of the tanks you need. Suggest you look at the Plastruct catalog at your LHS or online at:
<http:///www.plastruct.com>.
They have tank saddles, elliptical and hemispherical tank ends, all sorts of plumbing and valves, ladders with safety cages, etc. I think you can find the parts for the tanks to fit your space. Plus, they have some kits for tanks in N, HO, O and possibly S. Good luck.
Bob

[Anonymous]

I used N scale tank cars filed down and painted a dull red. I needed just one gas tank in HO. And had a dynamite truck fueling next to it. I would not forget to label everything "Danger" and "no smoking" within 50 feet of that fuel tank.

Lee