how can i make tarps to cover truck loads?

[perez]

hi there, i need help on how to make tarps, or what materials can i use to make tarps? i tried black garbage bags, but they get worn out a rips too easily. i want to make tarps so that i can make some trucks look like the latin american produce trucks like colombia, mexico, etc. and covered wagons in the USA. I'll appreciate it alot!!!

[cfesmire]

One of the first and easiest things I learned in modeling years ago. I use tissue paper now (toilet paper is fine). Start out with a paper towel to get the "feel" of what you're doing. Cut to the size of the tarp you want and start putting droplets of water on it. It will conform to your load. After you get the gist of it, use water that has been mixed 1/1 with white glue. Paint when completely dry. For really big loads, I stretch saran wrap over first and then cover it with your wetted toilet paper. The stetch wraps do not keep paint well. If you want the look of plastic tarps use glossy paint, flat paint for cloth tarps. If you get real good, after all is dry, you can loop some "tie downs" out of fine wire or string through the corners. I have not reached this stage yet.

[Lee]

By saying covered wagons in the USA I suspect you mean what we call a canvas top or cover that is part of the truck. To make something like that I would obtain a Roco military vehicle with a canvas top and use the top as a mold using Chester's idea for the canvas.

[skunk]

cfesmire said:

One of the first and easiest things I learned in modeling years ago. I use tissue paper now (toilet paper is fine). Start out with a paper towel to get the "feel" of what you're doing. Cut to the size of the tarp you want and start putting droplets of water on it. It will conform to your load. After you get the gist of it, use water that has been mixed 1/1 with white glue. Paint when completely dry. For really big loads, I stretch saran wrap over first and then cover it with your wetted toilet paper.

This may be an amazing way to make a rusted out bodypart as well, for those junkyard dioramas.

[cfesmire]

Why not? I have used this process to make a tar paper roof on a diorama too, just cut paper to 3' strips. Elementary modeling my dear Watson!

[perez]

thanks for the tips guys i'll try it!