helium car

[doctorwayne]

I realize that on the full size train the bottles were individual units, but not on any of the scale models.

I was wondering how to make the scale models (solid/continuous plastic) look like individual bottles??

While weathering/shading might lessen the solid appearance, I think the best way to get an accurate model of those cars would be to scratchbuild it from styrene.  Rod and tube is readily available, as are structural shapes, and sheet and strip material. 
Rivet decals will take care of that detail, and Tichy and Grandt Line both offer hinge details in styrene.  Wire grabs and sill steps, along with free-standing ladders will lift the appearance, too.

The most difficult part might be getting appropriate (and accurate) decals, but Circus City offers custom work on a fairly large sheet which could do a number of cars if a group of interested modellers were to combine their order.  That would make the cost very affordable.

My good friend Charlie sent me some decals which he had made by Circus City, and while they were intended for use on a 50' outside-post boxcar, a little editing with my X-Acto changed the dimensional data to better-suit a couple of Tichy twenties-era 40' reefers...



If I were not so far behind in my various projects, I might attempt such a project, even though it's not a car that's high on my list of "must-have" ones.

Wayne