Modeling a tarpaulin-covered load


These loads (above) are complete on their styrene bases and ready to be loaded onto a truck or rail car. Tarps protect the cargo on this tandem trailer (left). A black tarp covers an unidentified truck shipment (below). A CSX train moves a pair of high and wide loads beneath large white tarps (bottom).


adhesive tape can be used for straps for later periods.


This process can be used for all scale


models. Just size the load proportion- ately. Use your imagination and have fun creating your own covered load.


Bill of materials


White glue mixture (1 part glue to 2 parts water with 1 or 2 drops of detergent added)


Plain toilet paper, facial tissue or tissue paper (not embossed)


Small piece of styrene or plastic sheet to serve as a base


Cyanoacrylate


Glass or plastic plate which the white glue will not stick to. To be used as a work surface.


Weathering powders (optional)


CHRIS D’AMATO: GREEN POND, SC; MAY 9, 2011 CHRIS D’AMATO: BLAIRSTOWN, NJ; MARCH 24, 2014


Now, working on a glass or plastic


plate–you want something that the white glue won’t stick to when dry– cover the load with toilet paper or a tis- sue. Drench the tissue paper with white glue diluted 1:2 with water and a drop or two of detergent and leave it for 24 hours for the glue to dry. Once it has dried, paint it with acrylic paint. This may cause the glue mixture to soften. If it does, the tarp can be re- shaped, if needed. Allow the painted tarp to dry for a minimum of 24 hours. Then, if desired, it can be weathered with powders.


Once everything is thoroughly dry, cut the tissue to fit the truck or railcar bed that will carry the load. Be sure to secure your load. Chains may be used for models set in earlier periods and


72 MAY 2014


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