Experimenting on my diorama
- Thread starter Dougget
- Start date
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I recall reading a post about a guy that used small o-rings as tires. I forget the exact process, but I believe he heated up a file and rolled the o-rings over the hot area to mold some tread marks into the tires. I haven't tried it yet, but it would be easy enough with a propane torch or maybe even a heat gun. Hmmmm. I may give it a shot. If I do, you know where I'll post a pic or two 
Doug
Doug
Yes, what vacuum tube are you referring too?
I really like the idea of embossing file markings into rubber rings. You could probably just leave a file laying on the stove a minute or two to get it hot enough. Remember to not over heat the rubber or it will get bubbly or even stringy. Not to mention the oder.
Something like this is getting pretty dang close. I know I've seen them flush on the outside rather than this beveled kind. But I bet after it's been 'treaded' the outside will be flush enough and perhaps a wee bit smaller diameter to be closer to scale.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_174776-7290...g&pl=1¤tURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=o+ring&page=4
I really like the idea of embossing file markings into rubber rings. You could probably just leave a file laying on the stove a minute or two to get it hot enough. Remember to not over heat the rubber or it will get bubbly or even stringy. Not to mention the oder.
Something like this is getting pretty dang close. I know I've seen them flush on the outside rather than this beveled kind. But I bet after it's been 'treaded' the outside will be flush enough and perhaps a wee bit smaller diameter to be closer to scale.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_174776-7290...g&pl=1¤tURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=o+ring&page=4
Vacuum Tube or Hose: Automotive supply store. You can usually pick it up by the foot, but I compared the bulk supply to an HO scale tire diameter and couldn't find a good match. I ended up buying a prepackaged length of hose for a few bucks. Enough vacuum hose to make more tires than I'll ever need
The steps...
1 - Cut a fairly thin slice of vacuum hose (the width of a tire).
2 - The hole in the center of my hose is not exactly in the center so I used a leather hole punch to enlarge and center the hole.
3 - Mount the 'tire' on a drill bit (the solid part) that is just a little too big for the hole and put the bit in a drill.
4 - Run the drill (so it's spinning the tire like a mini lathe) and use a piece of emory cloth to rough up the tread area of the tire and ease the sholders to make a realistic transition from tread to sidewall. After practicing on a few tires, this steps takes 10 to 15 seconds.
5 - Throw the tire in a heap on your layout.
Doug
The steps...
1 - Cut a fairly thin slice of vacuum hose (the width of a tire).
2 - The hole in the center of my hose is not exactly in the center so I used a leather hole punch to enlarge and center the hole.
3 - Mount the 'tire' on a drill bit (the solid part) that is just a little too big for the hole and put the bit in a drill.
4 - Run the drill (so it's spinning the tire like a mini lathe) and use a piece of emory cloth to rough up the tread area of the tire and ease the sholders to make a realistic transition from tread to sidewall. After practicing on a few tires, this steps takes 10 to 15 seconds.
5 - Throw the tire in a heap on your layout.
Doug
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