David's finally building his tank car

[BR60103]

This doesn't qualify for the spring challenge this year.
Decades ago Walthers marketed (in their Tongue-in-Cheek line) a "Beer Can Tank Car" (you supply the can). Around that time, I scrounged a genuine CP Rail drinking water can (Lethbridge Viaduct, in a caboose, during the NMRA convention). Later I picked up the Walthers kit at a show. Now I've dug it out for use.
   

   

   
The parts displayed, plus some extra bits needed.

[BR60103]

   
Seen from the main part of the room

   
I cleaned up the castings and pickled them briefly (vinegar brushed on the large bits, dipped for the small parts). Then Floquil grey primer. Of the 5 bottles of primer I had, 2 Zinc Chromate and one grey had fizzled out on me. The one that I used was for military models. On one bottle I had a label that says "Let dry one week"

   

[BR60103]

   
The box with the details drying after pickling.

[e-paw]

That's a great gag kit, can't wait to see it finished.

[Puddlejumper]

That is awesome! I want one!

[nachoman]

Wouldn't the can be a bit large for HO?

[BR60103]

Wouldn't the can be a bit large for HO?

I ran the underframe down the track and the spigot ran up on a platform, so it definitely won't see much service. The can is also larger than Walthers expected, so some end details have been moved to the center beam and the ladders won't be going on.
I did some more painting today, but I'm not happy with the results.

[BR60103]

Some progress made. Metal parts painted and the steps and air brake parts (2!) installed in the wrong place.
I have a problem: the can is bigger than the car was designed for; longer and bigger diameter plus a seam at the ends. I need to cut some round plastic to fill the ends. Does anyone know who makes or stocks a compass with a blade? I don't seem to be able to cut a circle with an Xacto knife.
   
   

[viperman]

Now that is interesting

[ocalicreek]

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Micro Mark's compass circle cutter seems a bit large, (and a bit pricey if you're only going to use it once) but perhaps you can use a school compass in the same way. I seem to recall a compass designed to clip any pencil in place. You could probably just as easily clip-on an Xacto or other hobby knife instead.

But try this first. Draw the circle as big as you need it to be. Then put the blade of your knife on the line and carefully spin the styrene. Don't try to make the cut in the first pass, but go as deep as you need in order to snap it out.

OR, cut a square the width/length of the diameter you need plus some slop. Draw the circle inside. Then nibble away at the corners to get an octagon, then nibble away at those corners, etc. until you approach the circle. Use an emery board or sander stick to rough it down to a circle.

My 2 cents.

Galen

[jglfan]

When I worked for an art supply dealer, I picked up a compass that used a small diameter lead, like a mechanical pencil. I removed the lead and replaced it with another point like the one on the side of the compass that is the center of the circle (there must be a term for this, but I don't know what t is!) Then I could scribe the circle with several turns of the compass, making it easier to follow the line with a knife.

[nachoman]

When I worked for an art supply dealer, I picked up a compass that used a small diameter lead, like a mechanical pencil. I removed the lead and replaced it with another point like the one on the side of the compass that is the center of the circle (there must be a term for this, but I don't know what t is!) Then I could scribe the circle with several turns of the compass, making it easier to follow the line with a knife.

I could swear I bought a compass set once that came with extra points and a tiny little blade. At least somewhere I remember seeing one. Of course I will probably remember way to late to be of any help

[Russ Bellinis]

I've been slow to view this thread. I keep coming to the gauge and then having to shut down the computer to go do some work around the yard. Today it is raining, so I guess I will be on the computer a while. I've never heard of "painters triangles." They look like a great idea, where do you get them. It looks like something Micro Mark would carry, but I don't remember ever seeing them in their catalog.

[BR60103]

Russ: they're called The Painter's Pyramid.
I got a package of 10 from Lee Valley -- Canadian chain that supplies good quality and unusual tools.
The Source company is K&M of Virginia at http://www.painterspyramid.com

I did the ends by gluing the plastic sheet on with Goo and cutting around with the X-Acto knife. I need to get some silver to paint it with.

[BR60103]

I did it the fast way. I Gooed the can to a sheet of plastic and cut around the end.