16T OF SCRAP


I've been working on scrap wagon loads, using up lots of waste plastic material from kits, offcuts and all sorts of other stuff. Apart from the sheet plastic to create a false floor for the wagon, plus the paints and weathering powders, the scrap hasn't cost me a penny. It certainly pays to never throw this kind of stuff away - there's always another use for it.

While much of the material consists of random shapes, I've positioned some interesting elements more prominently, such as parts of loco wheels, gear cogs and sections of riveted girders. After painting and weathering, the load looks really convincing. 

I've made similar loads in the past, for more recent wagon types, but this 16t mineral wagon is the first of a short rake aimed at the 1970s era. An attempt at recreating crushed/baled scrap is also underway.

Look out for a number of articles on recycling waste material in the next - 'green' - issue of Model Rail magazine (MR171), on sale 20th February.


Comments

  1. Hi George,
    I used old kitchen foil and sweety wrappers formed into rectangular blocks by creating a mould from lego bricks. Stuff some screwed up foil into the mould and squeeze it down with a lego brick to form a block. When you have enough blocks put them in an old yoghurt pot with some diluted rust coloured paint then give it a good shake - with the lid on - and hey presto! Lots of rusty baled metal. If desired, add a wash and paint the bales here and there with different coloured paint to mimic crushed cars etc.
    Rick

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    Replies
    1. Hi Rick, thanks for the tip. I like the idea of the yoghurt pot filled with diluted paint! I've been using foil biscuit wrappers to achieve similar results (see the latest post on the blog).
      Cheers,
      George.

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