Tarped Loads

[mononguy63]

I’v been experimenting without success in ways to create tarped loads. My method has been to use blocks to create a basic form and trying various methods to ‘tarp’ them - I’ve tried foil, glue-soaked tissue, even facial tissue. Thus far there’ve been no satisfactory results.

What methods have others used with good results?

Jim

[CTValleyRR]

The ole: “Buy the Chooch freight car loads” way.

I’ve never tried to make one myself, but I would try a piece of thin cloth soaked with glue.

[mlehman]

MR had an article on making tarped loads within the last few years. Try a search for it on the index. It was similar to what Odie is describing. I used it to make some nice tarped loads and they came out well, just can’t remember[%-)] exactly how I did it…[*-)]

[Mr_Dispatcher]

MR had an article on making tarped loads within the last few years.

I think the article referred to using cheap plastic bags from the grocery store. I believed they used a blue colored bag but any color should work. Otto

[mlehman]

MR had an article on making tarped loads within the last few years.

I think the article referred to using cheap plastic bags from the grocery store. I believed they used a blue colored bag but any color should work. Otto

I remember that one, too, but the tarped load article was different from the shrinkwrap covered load article. I built from the tarp article, but the shrinkwrap article was too modern for anything I do.

[John_Busby]

Hi guys

I tarp-ed an open freight car once I used a folded bits of cereal box to represent the tarp rail (Up side down V) and freezer bag for the tarp.

I painted it inside and out in testers cromate yellow for the tarp colour the whole lot carefuly super glued in place.

I thought it looked good but never got the ropes in place.

regards John

[maxman]

MR had an article on making tarped loads within the last few years.

I think the article referred to using cheap plastic bags from the grocery store. I believed they used a blue colored bag but any color should work. Otto

I remember that one, too, but the tarped load article was different from the shrinkwrap covered load article. I built from the tarp article, but the shrinkwrap article was too modern for anything I do.

The most recent article I could find was called Simple tarp-covered loads by Bruce Petty. It was in the July 2008 Model Railroader.

The author used wood shapes to come up with the load. The material used for the tarp was colored plastic bags. Glue Stick was rubbed on the wood surfaces and the bag material draped over it. The material was folded under the load like wrapping a package. He added some wood cribbing under the load, and used some flat copper wire as banding.

I also remember the shrink wrap article, but don’t remember when that was. I think it might have been part of the Information Desk column, or whatever preceeded that column. I think it had to do with shrink wrapping locomotives that were stored due to a shipping slowdown.

[joe323]

Lionel addressed this in their blog a few months ago they used plastic bags to cover the load

[mlehman]

SNIP

The most recent article I could find was called Simple tarp-covered loads by Bruce Petty. It was in the July 2008 Model Railroader.

The author used wood shapes to come up with the load. The material used for the tarp was colored plastic bags. Glue Stick was rubbed on the wood surfaces and the bag material draped over it. The material was folded under the load like wrapping a package. He added some wood cribbing under the load, and used some flat copper wire as banding.
SNIP

maxman,

That’s the one. This technique worked well for me. I’ll post up some pics this evening of the results.

[mononguy63]

Thanks for everyone’s input. I found the Lionel blog that Joe mentioned - looks like a plastic grocery bag is the ticket. Can’t say I would’ve thought of that on my own.

I’ll try to find that MR issue tonight.

I’d sure love to see some tarp photos!

Jim

[maxman]

maxman,

That’s the one. This technique worked well for me. I’ll post up some pics this evening of the results

Yes, I’d like to see the photos. I don’t want to be critical or anything, but my observation of the loads in the article was that they looked a little too form-fitting to me. Real tarp loads seem to be a little more “floppy” and saggy, or looser fitting, if that makes sense.

[mlehman]

Here you go. Sorry for the out of focus one in the middle and the generally gritty photo taking atmosphere of my staging area.[8D]

I threw in a couple of bonus loads[:)]

With the tarping, these were my first three. I can do better with practice and I think the draping effect can be better emphasized once one gets a couple under the belt. What the heck, it’s a cheap easy technique, so a couple of ringers at first is not a problem.

Wish I can remember exactly how I finished them, but think it was generally in line with what the article recommended.

[maxman]

I like the one in the middle in the bottom photo. You’ve got the draping effect pretty good there.

[tatans]

I attended a clinic on this Friday at the FSMR Expo last Friday. The method the host used was splitting facial tissue down to a single ply, soaking it in 50/50 white glue/water, then placing it over a wooden or plastic form. Awnings can be made in this fashion as well.

Must admit, this is the most realistic and fairly simple method for tarps, not too shiny as most real tarps are not shiny plastic.

[steamage]

MR had an article on making tarped loads within the last few years.

I think the article referred to using cheap plastic bags from the grocery store. I believed they used a blue colored bag but any color should work. Otto

I remember that one, too, but the tarped load article was different from the shrinkwrap covered load article. I built from the tarp article, but the shrinkwrap article was too modern for anything I do.

The most recent article I could find was called Simple tarp-covered loads by Bruce Petty. It was in the July 2008 Model Railroader.

The author used wood shapes to come up with the load. The material used for the tarp was colored plastic bags. Glue Stick was rubbed on the wood surfaces and the bag material draped over it. The material was folded under the load like wrapping a package. He added some wood cribbing under the load, and used some flat copper wire as banding.

I also remember the shrink wrap article, but don’t remember when that was. I think it might have been part of the Information Desk column, or whatever preceeded that column. I think it had to do with shrink wrapping locomotives that were stored due to a shipping slowdown.

Since the July 08 article, I’ve added one more part to my finished tarp covered loads. I drilled a small hole the size of one of those tiny supper magnets in the bottom of the wood block and glued it in. Its supper strength allows the magnet to hold to decks of a flat car&

[mlehman]

Bruce,

Thanks for the update, as a magnet could come in very handy with these, plus other loads, too. Probably want to use as tiny a magnet as possible if using those supermagnets, as that will make removal easier.[:P]