Water Crane and Tower floppy pipe

[TimberSurf]

I am about to start adding Water Cranes and Water towers to my layout. I have several second hand items, that are Peco and about to start painting them up and weathering. There is no floppy canvas pipe fitted, so i was thinking what I can use.
I remember seeing something on the forum about this and how hard it was to find a product to make it, but a search does not reveal the text I remember.
So what can you recommend?
My thoughts are to heatshrink tubing, shrunk onto metal pipe and flattened below while still hot?

[Dad-1]

I have a couple of Peco examples and didn't like the overall look.
I ended up using a Ratio and Dapol version, the latter with a
slight conversion using the Ratio as a guide to the mods.

I didn't bother trying to make a bag because the whole thing is
a background item where super detail tends to be overlooked.
In my opinion the Dapol bag of stiff plastic looks the best with
it's flattened end and criss-cross fine surface detail. Making a
bag out of rolled tissue paper was an option and I quite like the
idea you have of trying heat-shrink. Nothing lost except time
so have a go !!

Here are the Dapol & Ratio versions.
Pic to follow when found ........

viewtopic.php?f=49&t=46675&start=465#p618752

Obviously these are cranes, I have only used the one tower and
that is the large Dapol version.

Geoff T

[TimberSurf]

A piece of wide shoelace dipped in PVA and painted with poster paint makes a good replacement for that rubber pipe. The real thing was always referred to as "the bag" which just about described the appearance of one that had been well used. I don't know what they put in the kits these days but the old Hornby Dublo one came with a genuine piece of bicycle tyre valve rubber, the later ones came with a shiny plastic one, which at least could be crushed flat rather than looking like the reinforced suction pipe of the gully cleaner.

I knew i had read something about the subject! Well at least thats not bugging me any longer

Your right Dad-1, the Peco offering is the least realistic (but I have about 6 of them!). I am not going for ultra realistic/prototypical, but just want to have mine a bit better than off the shelf. I need a "Bag" as mine don't have any! (missing, don't forget second hand 'n' cheap) and have cut the stupid plastic pull chain off and will either replace with thread or a chain (I have lots in stock, erm, somewhere )

Not sure either to paint the tower in corporate "Lumsdonia" colour scheme purple or a sort of cream (prevalent when you google images)

[TimberSurf]

Well I have completed my water Tower and used the black Heatshrink, it may not have the hatch pattern of a shoe lace, but it does lend itself to being shaped perfectly!

Peco Water Tower Bag side.jpg (52.88 KiB) Viewed 2761 times

Peco Water Tower Bag Front.jpg (63.97 KiB) Viewed 2761 times

More Pics her viewtopic.php?f=22&t=44849&p=630575#p630575

[Lysander]

That's worked quite well.

Tony

[Firefly16]

Hi Timbersurf, You might also be interested in the method I posted 10.05 Oct 24. 2016 for your next cranes and towers.

[dan8400]

That's a really neat effect. Good work

Thanks
Dan

[TimberSurf]

Thanks chaps
Thanks Firefly, but I ignored that, as I am only a level 6 modeler and that sounds like level 8/9, to my bumbling fingers and poor eyesight!
I am resigned to have lots of trains running and billions of lights to grab the attention, rather than the detail of a rivet counter!
(note to self:- i must publish my modelling level chart!)

[dan8400]

Please do publish the chart. Is it one to ten? Or is more complicated. Based on layouts finished or kits built etc etc


If it is one to ten I'd like to think I'm a solid 5 or 6.

Thanks
Dan

[Dad-1]

I like that ...... shame it's so clean !!
I love seeing different ideas, particularly ones that work
well and I think from 3 feet that'll look just great.

Geoff T.

[TimberSurf]

High praise thanks Dad1
Just for Dan, the score is more about aspirations vs current standing, Categorising Layout Detail Level (on the Lumsdonia scale), enjoy!

[dan8400]

Thanks timbersurf,

On your scale I am between a 4 and a 6. Aiming for 7. I think that's attainable for me. However, it is subjective and clearly not to be taken too seriously. I'm pleased you've had a go at some kind of scale. It's often difficult to know how well you're getting on.

Thanks
Dan

[End2end]

It just came to me like a bolt of lighting!!!!!!!!!!!
But..........you beat me to it Timbersurf. Heatshrink tubing.
Thanks
End2end

[TimberSurf]

On your scale I am between a 4 and a 6. Aiming for 7. I think that's attainable for me. However, it is subjective and clearly not to be taken too seriously. I'm pleased you've had a go at some kind of scale. It's often difficult to know how well you're getting on.
Dan

I think its important that no one but the OP decides the numbers, otherwise it gets a bit political and may dismay the OP. But it's intent is for the OP to to determine and give it to us, that way we can be mindful of their current level and what they are aiming for and can tailor our answers to their understanding and be appropriate for their aims. As I have said before, I have no interest in hyper detail (7-9) or prototypicality, I just want my layout to not look recognizable as "off the shelf" (i.e. 4-6) and look very busy in working terms. (and have a gadzillion lights and lots of non-rolling stock action animation)

So....... back to subject.......hmmmmmm..........servo under water crane? Real water issues from bag?