Toothpaste tubes - Printable Version

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Toothpaste tubes - ezdays - 05-03-2022

Just curious, but some time ago I wondered if there was a use for used toothpaste tubes so I collected a few. When cut open the become a thin, small sheet of pliable plastic that is silver on one side. I think I threw them away when I realized that for N scale, they scale as over an inch and a half thick and wouldn't work for what I wanted to do. They measure around 6" x 4" x .01".

I'm wondering if any of you have used this material for anything? I cut one up again thinking it could be used maybe as tin siding or roofing material or shape it for scenery. Not sure how it would glue up or hold paint, but I'll find out.

   
   

RE: Toothpaste tubes - FiatFan - 05-04-2022

Interesting thought, Don. I wonder if anyone uses metal tubes anymore. That might be a more useful material for us.

Tom

RE: Toothpaste tubes - ezdays - 05-04-2022

(05-04-2022, 05:27 AM)FiatFan Wrote: Interesting thought, Don.  I wonder if anyone uses metal tubes anymore.  That might be a more useful material for us.

Tom

The only metal ones that I'm aware of are for those small tubes of modeler's glue since it could erode plastic. This plastic material is pliable and seems to retain its shape when you bend it. Still looking for a practical application for it though. Just food for thought.... Waiting

RE: Toothpaste tubes - ngauger - 05-14-2023

Just saw this thread

I've seen some use the small tubes as G scale bill boards. The artwork side, of course Smile

Don, could they be used as street patches?

RE: Toothpaste tubes - ezdays - 05-15-2023

(05-14-2023, 06:14 PM)ngauger Wrote: Just saw this thread

I've seen some use the small tubes as G scale bill boards. The artwork side, of course  Smile

Don, could they be used as street patches?

In N scale, one tube could be the whole street. Icon_lol  My original thought was to use them as a tarp, but way too thick. They may work as a tin roof, (silver side out, of course Icon_rolleyes ). I've got enough collected that I might try that on a scratchbuild. I just like the way they can be molded and still hold their shape.

RE: Toothpaste tubes - jim currie - 05-15-2023

don try a sheet of n scale corrugated siding from northwest as a die clamping the tube between the corrugated sides and then leaving then for a day or two should make them set and walla you would have a sheet of roofing.
Jim.

RE: Toothpaste tubes - ezdays - 05-15-2023

(05-15-2023, 11:47 AM)jim currie Wrote: don try a sheet of n scale corrugated siding from northwest as a die clamping the tube between the corrugated sides and then leaving then for a day or two should make them set and walla you would have a sheet of roofing.
Jim.
Great idea Jim, I have some corrugated siding that I've been using from some kits that I bought about 20 years ago, am almost out (bought a few kits back then when they were cheap). The nice thing about this would be that it can be curved or shaped as opposed to a sheet of styrene.

Thanks. Worship

RE: Toothpaste tubes - jim currie - 05-15-2023

don you also might try running hot water in you before you put into die.
Jim