Like many modelers, we have a number of empty gondola cars and are interested in good ideas for a variety of loads. Many modelers make scrap and junk loads, but we wanted something a bit different. We thought making a load of galvanized pipes would be a good use of some of our gondolas, and we will show you how to do so in an easy step-by-step process.
The DIY project is easy but will take a little time, like most modeling how to do projects. You will need an empty gondola car that is already weathered. We are using aluminum foil to make the pipes. You will roll each one by hand and they will need some time to set up, so the project will take a little while. It is very inexpensive, though, and the pipes you will create are realistic.
We built a dozen pipes to fill our car. We also built wooden frames to hold the pipes in place on the car while the train is underway. We used Kappler Mill & Lumber Company scale lumber for the frames, which is available online or in your local hobby train store.
In the November 2016 of Trackside Model Railroading Digital Magazine we have created each detailed step with a photograph to illustrate it. These pipes look amazing when completed and they are thin-walled, making them very realistic (take a look in the pictures below). One thing to note is that the pipes will be delicate, so you will need to have a safe place to set them aside after they dry until you are ready to place them into the car. If you do accidentally damage some of the pipes, you may find it could be useful in a derailment scene, on a job site where a backhoe has damaged one, or as part of a scrap load for another gondola.
The November 2016 Free Edition can be downloaded for free by logging in or signing up for our easy membership from the Facebook / Google button below. Just accept to connect to us through your social account and you are all good to go. –TS
Corrugated galvanized pipes ends are very thin and bring out the realism of the load.
Make very realistic corrugated pipe loads for your gondola cars in this month's free edition of Trackside Model Railroading.
A gondola loaded with corrugated pipes pulled by CP Rail 5559 SD40.
Close-up of the HO scale gondola loaded with the galvanized corrugated pipes.
An HO scale gondola rail car is loaded with the corrugated galvanized pipes from this month's how to project in Trackside Model Railroading digital magazine.
