Hello everyone I was seeking some thoughts on modeling the canvas sun shades used on many of the early diesels. I was thinking that some .015 wire bent to form the frame and then, maybe some tissue of some sort to simulate the canvas? I feel like I'm overthinking the problem and that there is a easer way to do this. Any and all thoughts are welcome, I have a small fleet of 70 tonners that are lacking this detail. Also, does anyone know of a company that makes a kit or R-T-R for a 50' truss rod boxcar in HO scale
Just my 2 cents. I made the canvas shade for my 4-4-0 by cutting them out of index card paper. I painted them till they looked right and used CA to secure them. They withstand handling well. I did not model the frame at all.
Jim, I have an article on how to create these shades from a used tea bag. The results are permanent and awesome. Would you like the article? I'll see if I can link it.
Two words- Taco Bueno. No, I'm not kidding- at one of our recent NMRA Indian Nation meets in Tulsa, a fellow showed us how to make cab curtains for steam locomotives by using a napkin from Taco Bueno as a starting base. Cut a piece to fit, fold it accordion-style, use your favorite weathering media, install it on the cab end between cab & tender, and voila- a cab curtain. I see no reason why this wouldn't wirk whti, say, a white napkin, or even a piece of index card or business card cut to size.
hey Jim I'd be very interested in the tea bag link, I'm always interested in new ways to do things, and thank you!
Here is the link in Model Railroad Hobbyists. Full credit goes to the them and the author. It is a free view and this does not violate any copyright infringements. November MHR, Go to Pg 79 BTW, this publication if FREE monthly. I highly recommend you sign up for it. One issue is worth multiple years of any other mainstream publication!
Are we talking "Canvas Sun Shades" (the topic's title) for a GE 70 tonner (the topic's subject), or "Cab Curtains". The twain are not the same. Andre
Hey Andre, Yes, you are absolutely correct. The article is primarily how to make the "cab curtain" but references "cab sun shades" that can be made in similar process. The article does focus on steamers, not powered bo..er, uh, diesels.
Thank you for the link, but I'm talking about the canvas cab sun shades on the early diesels not cab curtains on steamers. I should have been more clear.
I realize that. But the theme was to show how you use a used tea bag to make realistic canvas. Who says you can't use the same principles to make the canvas sun shades for your diesels? It's the method I was pointing to.
Thank you Sabrr, I see where you were going. And thanks for the heads up on the online mag. it does look good.
My past issues with the cab shades were the small wire needed to represent the wire frames of the prototype. I ended up fudging and using styrene. I using a thickness that was too thick, but would allow me to bevel the mounting edge so as to have more adhesive surface. I also beveled the remaining edges to give a thin appearance. Once installed, I painted with an dead flat Olive Drab paint (if representing a newer cab shade) and then dry brushed it with white in horizontal and vertical strokes to give it a canvas textured look. The more dry brushing, the older and faded the "canvas" would look. I thought they turned out "good enough"... but still easy enough to be replicated on a roster consisting of a bunch of hood units. Andre
This is a fine example of what Andre is referring too, It is his work, and as described in his post. I was fortunate to be able to get this a few years back, and it is robust, and as good as any I have seen. Thanks Tom Holley
I have found a method that works wonderfully for me. I solder a brass wire 010" frame to a piece of very thin brass sheet, then mount with pinholes and super glue to the cab. The canvas can be either in its folded/retracted state or extended, then painted. This awning is more durable and realistic than any other I have found. See photos on my GP7 and Alco RS1 at the following post. http://www.frisco.org/vb/showthread.php?2028-First-Generation-Diesels&p=13843#post13843 Ken McElreath
Another option that I've seen used with good results comes from Robert Smaus. See the bottom photo on this web page: http://www.bobsgardenpath.com/trains_2.html I recall reading his technique in MR some time ago. He uses the same brass wire framing, but utilizes thin brass sheet for the actual shades. It tends to bend and flex just enough to mimic the canvas fabric. Best Regards,
Thanks guys for all the good advice, I'm thinking of useing the very thin brass sheet, and useing Andre's idea of drybrushing the texture onto the brass. I'll let you all know how it works out. Thanks again! Craig
