I need some for a loading dock. Thought I might try making them. As I remember they are something like 36 inches in diameter and maybe 48 inches tall. Anyone know the real dimensions, just off the top of your head[s]?
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_dimensions_of_a_55_gallon_drum
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drum_(container)
http://www.yankeecontainers.com/Steel-Drums-Closed-Top.html
http://beprepared.com/product.asp?pn=WS%20B700&name=55%20Gallon%20Water%20Barrel&bhcd2=1283975240
Andre
Just wondering what scale you are modeling - in HO, fairly nice looking steel drum models have been readily available for years - I actually like the Walthers ones as they look good after sanding the mold lines off and painting. (Oil Drum & Figure set - 36 drums, but as usual for a Walthers item released a few years back: “Currently Out of Stock”) .
Are you going for an open drum perhaps? I made one by progressively drilling out a cast metal drum until the sides were thin enough for my tastes - I learned to my dismay this method does not work well on plastic drum models, which tend to crack.[xx(]
I was going to reply that 55 gallon drums are actually 45 gallon drums - Imperial gallons. [swg] However, I measured one from Grandt Line and it was 3’ high with a diameter of about 2’.
If you really want to make them, by all means do so. However, the ones from Grandt Line are very nicely done, with two different styles of removable tops. The part number for HO is 5041 and, for O scale, 3013. Click on the photo for an enlarged view.
Wayne
Steel 55 gallon drums come in various sizes and styles. There are 2 main types, open top with a removable lid and a hoop to lock it in place. Or, a closed top with a bung hole opening for filling and emptying .
Working in export shipping with our company steel closed top drums the standard size was 23" diameter by 35 tall. Open top drums were 24" diameter and 36" diameter.
Did you consider GOOGLING ‘55 Gal Drums’?