How to make tarpaulins for your model railway wagons

[@asfallswichitasofallswichi3339]

Excellent! Thanks, not only for your impressive technique, but ALSO for taking the time to SHARE your insight with others. Kudos to you, Bruce!

[@brucerandell3771]

Thank you asfalls...

[@2011Maynard]

I have been racking my brain trying to figure out how to do this - this is absolutely brilliant. Thank you very much for sharing!

[@brucerandell3771]

It's a pleasure 2011Maynard. Hope you come right.

[@IbbyP]

Hey Bruce. Thank you for sharing. This is a simple, easy and cheap way of fitting tarps to wagons. Simply fantastic. I'll keep this video handy, for sure.

[@brucerandell3771]

It's a pleasure Ibby.P.

[@dodgem9012]

Thats awesome, great tuitorial Bruce. I have made a few tarps using old teabags ( letting used teabags dry, cutting one end and discarding the old leaves) and performing a similar routine to yours, the layered teabags have a kind of fine detailed mesh pattern which is still visible when painted. Your wagons look great with the tarps...

[@brucerandell3771]

Thanks Dodgem

[@pgwargamer]

Awesome tutorial! Great to see some South African tutorials on KZbin!

[@brucerandell3771]

Thanks, we try :).

[@hanschristophercharles6981]

This was a great video. It also works well for other scale items as well. Myself, I model 1/35 scale armor, so this method works great on crates, fuel drums, or anything else. Cheers!

[@brucerandell3771]

Thanks Hans. Great to hear it works on other hobbies too.

[@renard801]

Great! I have wanted to make some tarpaulin but couldn't figure out how to do it. If only I had a better imagination, like you! Many thanks.

[@brucerandell3771]

It's a pleasure. I hope it works out for you.

[@raymonddolphin3169]

Great effect, and looks good, what about ropes

[@brucerandell3771]

Thanks Raymond. Yes, ropes should probably be added when the tissue paper is wet. Tough to paint, but would look better. Might be able to get them off early. Something to experiment with.

[@thomream1888]

Hi Bruce - I enjoyed the whole video, but that intro was one of the best I've seen in a LONG time! Nice to see your creativity extends past model railroading. Well done, mate!

[@brucerandell3771]

Thank you Thom.

[@richardbedard1245]

it's ideas like that that add interesting detail to the trains. thank you. I would never have figured out how to do tarps.

[@brucerandell3771]

It's a pleasure Richard

[@GWR-fd1up]

This is by far the best tarpaulin I've seen:)

[@brucerandell3771]

Thank you.

[@brucerandell3771]

Thanks for the compliment.

[@dannyholt105]

Ah, that is awesome Bruce. I love it! Cheers, Dan

[@brucerandell3771]

Thanks Dan.

[@johnnyblythe5375]

Thanks so much. I'm a 1/35 Armour Modeller and have known the basics of this method but everyone of the modelling vids I'm not happy with them. There's too many folds etc for a tarp, they look more like a bed sheet. Your vid gas just explained it well with great results, thanks again!

[@brucerandell3771]

Thanks Johnny. While it probably won't work for my 1:87 applications, Pigeon baby wipes are quite thin with no embossing and MIGHT work for your 1:35 scale tarps. Not sure, just speculating and they are far stronger than wet tissue paper.

[@richarddrum9970]

Great idea, thanks for posting, I'll try rubber or latex gloves for painting though.

[@brucerandell3771]

Thanks Richard. Haha, I was waiting for someone to comment on that.

[@leonardwilliams1955]

Ingenious! I love to see a thinker.

[@brucerandell3771]

Thanks for the compliment Leonard

[@ajknaup3530]

Excellent technique, TYSM! I need to make tarps for grain trucks for my N Scale layout.

[@michaeltubbs4606]

Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge with us. Can't understand why there would be any dislikes to this video.

[@brucerandell3771]

Pleasure Michael. Can't please everyone...

[@Steven_Rowe]

Bruce, thanks, so simple and cheap and best of all, it looks the real deal. im going to use this method on an O gauge 13 ton high sided steel BR wagon. im impressed I really am

[@brucerandell3771]

Pleasure, I hope it turns out great.

[@Steven_Rowe]

Bruce i just did the first one. Put on the tissue and pva mix an hour ago, its now drying.

[@darrylcarpenter903]

Excellent video and great idea. I'm going to do this with a WW2 truck. Thanks very much.

[@brucerandell3771]

Thank you. Hope it works out.

[@rayesposito9642]

What a great idea.. it's like doing mobile scenery.., well done to you.., thank you for posting this gem..

[@brucerandell3771]

Thanks Ray

[@peters1127]

Fantastic! Thank you for an interesting video.

[@brucerandell3771]

It's a pleasure Peter S

[@4ennout2]

What a cool video! I am going have to give this a try! Thanks for posting.

[@brucerandell3771]

+MWRR R Thanks, good luck.

[@scopex2749]

Totally excellent authentic look many thanks!

[@brucerandell3771]

+Loco Krazy It's a pleasure.

[@Ausmerica]

Hmm Interesting, I'm going to give this a try. Thank you for sharing your idea.

[@brucerandell3771]

Pleasure. Good luck.

[@MrNoUsername]

I’ve been wondering how to make tarpaulin for wagons for a while, thanks!

[@brucerandell3771]

Glad I can help. Hope it works out for you.

[@harlantillman7947]

Very cool. Now I have something to make my gondolas & flat cars look like they are doing something. Thank you!

[@brucerandell3771]

It's a pleasure Harlan. You have to love deception.

[@NiceMuslimLady]

Those look REALLY good!

[@brucerandell3771]

Thank you for the compliment.

[@NiceMuslimLady]

@@brucerandell3771 You're welcome. :)

[@dougcostello9064]

I did this for an o scale gondola and it worked great also. Thanks for the great video.

[@brucerandell3771]

Pleasure. Glad it worked out.

[@Calvertfilm]

Very quick and effective. I think your weathering looked very effective as it is - see 5:10 - nice stuff.

[@brucerandell3771]

Thank you Calvertfilm.

[@christtking894]

Have you tried crepe paper then spray paint then if necessary 3M adhesive spray?

[@mpeterll]

Nice idea. How about some more videos showing the rest of your layout?

[@brucerandell3771]

Thanks. It's in the process, but time is lacking. Damn this day job of mine.

[@TheyMakeItLikeThat]

These look really good! I should try that out!

[@brucerandell3771]

Thank you.

[@mick9885]

Great idea 👍

[@brucerandell3771]

Thank you Mick

[@ewoodrailway]

Great informative video, thanks for sharing

[@brucerandell3771]

It's a pleasure Ewood Railway.

[@eddiestuart3898]

Thanks for uploading this - very helpful indeed.....

[@brucerandell3771]

Thanks Eddie

[@christttrains]

You are good! Really good! I 've always thought of making some tarpaulins out of plastic sandwich bags or even black sheets made out of plastic, the problems I've encountered were how to make the plastic keep its shape and what chemical to use so it won't melt the plastic and also get hard, to stay wrinkly

[@brucerandell3771]

Thank you. Maybe experiment with baby wipes as well. I haven't done it myself but I'm immersed in the things at the moment and they might work. Pigeon makes a really thin one. You'll need thin wipes to get realistic folds. I'm not sure if the wipes will be thin enough though.

[@brucerandell3771]

Thank you. Never tried plastic but I'd imagine it could get tricky.

[@ricardoroberto7054]

I have seen a few videos on this and yours is the best. The suggestion of tissue paper is far better and the results very realistic.

[@brucerandell3771]

Thank you Ricardo.

[@burgermaster4u2]

Many thanks...just what I was looking to do.....thank you..👍

[@brucerandell3771]

Hope it works out Burgermaster4u2.

[@tomhiggins4124]

Hi , very clever work !!!!!!!!!.

[@brucerandell3771]

Thank you Tom

[@Castlebridge-00]

Very easy to follow method.Thanks. Barry.Devon

[@brucerandell3771]

Pleasure Castlebridge...Hope it works out for you.

[@stooge5172]

Is the tissue paper the kind you wrap with or the kind you blow your nose with?

[@brucerandell3771]

+Raymond Szabo It's the kind you blow your nose with. The glue will give it the strength to keep its shape.

[@stooge5172]

+Bruce Randell thank you 🙂

[@perrystone1413]

you have done a good job on the tutorial you have shown . cuddoes

[@brucerandell3771]

Thank you Perry

[@brucerandell3771]

Thank you P.S.

[@RockyRailroadProductions_B0SS]

This is really good! I'll have to try this on some of my empty flatcars.

[@brucerandell3771]

Great, and they can hide weights if you need to add weight to your flats.

[@ThePontiacmann]

Great ideer and nice Work

[@brucerandell3771]

Thank you.

[@meltonpieman959]

Bruce Great video - given me all sorts of ideas to try. Have you tried the same method using baby wipes? They are cloth and so look more like canvas, are water proof and they do not tear. regards David

[@brucerandell3771]

Exce;llent idea David. I have two 20 month olds so see a lot of wipes and have been wondering the exact same thing. Haven't actioned anything yet, mainly due to the aforementioned 20 month olds. When time permits I will definately give it a try - we use Pigeon wipes which are super thin, so could work well.

[@meltonpieman959]

Thanks Bruce. Yes I can remember what 1 young one at a time did to my life - so two must be pretty full on! Take a look at this video - it was for war gaming canvas tent doors etc. - but it gives the way that Mel does it and I am sure that it transfers well to your tarpaulin method - just one layer as well! As Mel says watch out for embossed baby wipes. I will also give it a go soon (no baby wipes but I have alcohol hand cleansing wipes, they are a little thick but will be worth a try). Regards David

[@themodelrailwaychannel1403]

what a great idea! thank you very much ill be doing this myself :)

[@brucerandell3771]

Good luck, hope it works out.

[@brucerandell3771]

It's a pleasure. Good luck.

[@briandunning2974]

Excellent. Do you have any experience or ideas about adding transfers? I’ve got a photo of a Great Central Wagon with tarp and it has GC on each side. Having watched the video I’m thinking that it might be possible to recreate this.

[@brucerandell3771]

No, sorry haven't done decalling. It's on my bucket list as it would add so much to the tarps. But that doesn't help you...especially since my kids seemed to have misplaced my bucket... For what it's worth, my thoughts till now have been two approaches: 1. I'll probably complete the tarp as per the video, then do decal transfer and then airbrush over the decals to try and get them to merge. 2. Try and create small paper stencils for large lettering and airbrush onto finished product and then airbrush weathering over the lettering. This won't work on wrinkled tarps though. However, this is all my head and have no clue if it will work.

[@briandunning2974]

Bruce Randell I wonder whether you could spray paint at the beginning with the tissue flat on the bench, and leave to dry, then add the decals. Next follow your technique except for the painting. Any idea what would happen when the glue is added after the paint and decals?

[@brucerandell3771]

My gut tells me glue and decals and lots of movement under the decals will not work, but give it a try. I've learned that reality is generally a bit different to what rattles around in my head. Let me know the results of your experiments.

[@thomream1888]

Brian and Bruce - I have two suggestions, but I’ve only tried #2: Option ONE: Dry-transfer lettering and over-painting - this will require using thicker paper (NOT tissue paper like what Bruce uses). First, you have to measure out the size of the tarp and the location of any dry-transfer locations. Apply the dry-transfers, then use your choice of paint/color to spray the entire tarp. Once done, peel off the dry-transfer lettering and follow Bruce’s plan to form it to your gon. You may need to apply a flat sealer coat to protect the bare paper that was under the dry transfer lettering. Option TWO: Decals - If you follow Bruce’s plan, the glue will act as a seal on the paper. You should be able to apply decals to the surface if you use a GLOSS spray finish (even FUTURE Floor Polish will work) and THEN apply the decals. Of course, you "English" guys must use dekkels instead of decals, right?!!! Then overspray with a flat finish to complete the job. Most tarps are not shiny, though some of the plastic ones do have a slight sheen to them. TEHO (To Each His Own). I had some nice photos to show this technique, but Einstein here can’t remember the name of the file he hid them in…Have at it gents, and Have Fun With Model Trains! SPGhost

[@steelandsoot2095]

I use crunched up tin foil then put an undercoat on I use grey paint designed to make chalk boards then you paint it to the colour you want it costs about £10 for 50 wagons

[@giulius7176]

Nice tip...Thanks for sharing!!

[@brucerandell3771]

Its a pleasure Giulius71.

[@jimoverall628]

Cheers for that. I'll give it a go.

[@brucerandell3771]

Good luck.

[@jagc1969]

Very interesting. Thanks a lot.

[@brucerandell3771]

Its a pleasure Juan

[@MrJohnNel]

That's seriously clever, what wagons are these? and the Black finger nail was a funny carry on film in its day....

[@brucerandell3771]

The containers are SARM, the open wagons CMD, the V8 guard's van is a Lima and the steam car in the background is a Scalecraft. Haha, yes, there have been a few comments on the finger paint. Seems to freak out some people. I'm not the type that gardens with gloves - might be my downfall one day. What doesn't wash off first time washes off in a day or so.

[@MrJohnNel]

@@brucerandell3771 scalecraft still around?, I always get a better paint finish on my hands then the intended target...

[@mattseymour8637]

Great tutorial! What kind of paper did you use?

[@brucerandell3771]

Thank you Matt. I used tissue paper that you blow your nose with. Kleenex.

[@mattseymour8637]

@@brucerandell3771 Arh thanks for the comment. I have that at home. Do you just put some cling film over the wagon or coach then apply some PVA over the paper leave to dry then remove and place over the wagon?

[@brucerandell3771]

@@mattseymour8637 Yup, but don't forget the elastic bands over the "waist" of the wagon to keep everything neat, as per the video. Once dry, the elastic bands serve no more purpose.

[@mattseymour8637]

@@brucerandell3771 Thanks will remember the lastic bands and then you just place it over the wagon and it will be a tight fit but removable?

[@brucerandell3771]

@@mattseymour8637 Yup, once the glue is dry, pull or cut the elastic bands away. As I said in the video, fit the elastic bands as low on the wagon as possible as you cut just above the elastic band line. If the elastic is too high, your tarpaulin is too short after you cut above the elastic band line.

[@jonathanpedros3336]

brilliant!! i'll try to make some

[@brucerandell3771]

Good luck. I hope it works out.

[@redbarnz]

Looks like a fast and easy method! Thanks! Try latex gloves to keep paint from mucking up your skin.

[@brucerandell3771]

Pleasure redbarnz. Not too fussed about getting my hands painted - soap and water sorts it out. But thanks for the concern.

[@ItsMe-xf3dv]

Gloves Maybe??

[@brucerandell3771]

1st world problems... :)

[@markarrivi3818]

pretty cool sir

[@brucerandell3771]

Thank you sir.

[@simonworman7898]

great off to make model Landrover tilts now. thank you

[@brucerandell3771]

Pleasure Simon

[@filmtajm35]

Yepp, really cool and a very good idea!

[@brucerandell3771]

Thank you filmtajm35.

[@gregbradfield1686]

Hi Bruce try wet wipes AKA baby wipes.

[@TimsBitsnPieces]

A good informational video but you forgot the tarp tie down ropes.. where are they ??? I notice you love painting your nails also.. hahaaa......

[@unionpacific8330]

As I write this I’m waiting for the glue to dry I didn’t have a sprayer so I just mixed some glue with water and dropped it on it lightly no rips yet!! So now just to wait I took the chassis off that way I can weather that whilst I wait for it to dry

[@brucerandell3771]

Sounds great. I hope it works out for you.

[@unionpacific8330]

turned out better than expected thank you :)

[@matthewemmerik7420]

very nice and great advice.Thanks from ex S.A

[@brucerandell3771]

Thanks Matthew.

[@csxbaltimoresubdivision7746]

you made it look easy

[@brucerandell3771]

Thanks, but it really is easy.

[@waldenhouse]

When you say "Tissue Paper" do you mean as in "Kleenex", or the example of proper tissue paper?

[@brucerandell3771]

Yup, as in "Kleenex". Use 2 or 3 ply. 3 ply is stronger and will give you the ability to work it more. You can remove more wrinkles when it is wet so that you end up with what looks like a tight fitting tarpaulin (like the grey ones in the video). 2 ply is obvioulsy weaker so you can't work out too many of the wrinkes when it is wet and you end up with what looks like a loose fitting tarpaulin (like the black ones in the video).

[@gothicskull13]

really neat, but I was worried about spray paint getting on your watch

[@brucerandell3771]

Haha, thanks. The watch survived this time :).

[@gothicskull13]

ok

[@petej3800]

Great idea to save your fingers wear vynyl gloves, use better scissors, and if poss fix ropes on but as I day a great idea gives others a chance to enhance their carriages etc thanks

[@brucerandell3771]

Thanks Peter. Soap and water work just fine though :). Great idea on the ropes. Will look into it when time permits.

[@jamilamheed2370]

ESE banane ka tarika to bata yaar malgadi

[@hpept]

it's for videos like this that i pay the internet access

[@brucerandell3771]

Thank you hpept

[@NathanielKempson]

Three things, great video. BUT, get a pop filter for your microphone, and PLEASE stand your camera on something. I got a headaches watching this

[@brucerandell3771]

Thanks for the compliment and mic suggestion.

[@dennyindarnanto2134]

You should wearing a gloves while painting man... Good job anyway...

[@brucerandell3771]

Thanks Denny. Soap and water :)

[@csxbaltimoresubdivision7746]

nice techniques,i just subscribe to your channel check out some of my videos you might like them thanks for sharing .

[@reggiea.stroud8707]

uh....ever hear of wearing gloves?

[@brucerandell3771]

Ha ha. I've been waiting for the comments. Didn't have any at the time and I won't stop a project for something small like that.

[@reggiea.stroud8707]

LOL...just kidding

[@TBoy205]

The fact that he just spray paints his hand is irritating

[@TankEngine75]

Soap and Water are effective for cleaning that

[@fordguy8792]

Tripped over this while looking for VMS paper shaper videos. Good looking results but the awful audio forced a mute. For those fanboys that absolutely can't comprehend a different opinion, that's why I disliked the video. A tutorial with barely discernable audio and no captions (KZbin's auto generated captions are terrible) is not effective as a tutorial.