Locomotive boiler wrap

Hi, what is the best way to mark out locomotive boiler wrap. With the price of even thin brass sheet now at very high prices I need to know the best way to make out the boiler wrap so I get the holes etc in the right places. I don’t think using paper would work as it tends not to keep a good shape. Thanks

I've used good quality thin card, obtainable from craft shops. Plasticard styrene sheet is also useful. Pieces of either can be stuck together with Sellotape and held around the boiler with string or elastic bands.

Good idea Clive. Thanks

Empty cereal boxes are useful for templates and are basically free!

If you use thin Clear celluloid , you can see what is happening underneath !

All good ideas, I just found that the Amazon small parts envelope works very well. However I have a second question. I have lots of .9mm sheet aluminium, will that be ok to use. Thanks again

Michael, plus 1 for plasticard templates.

I would not use aluminium, as you will have a job to get the paint to stick.

Steel would be my choice of material.

Chris Gunn

Hi, I am ok with getting paint to stick to aluminium there are a few very good etch primers to aluminium these days.

Michael if you can get paint to stick to ally I would go for it, especially if you already have plenty of it.

Isn't ally more likely to get dents? Don't forget to allow for the cladding when making your templates. I think cork sheet is as good as anything.

Hi Baz, I have made a few items with aluminium over the years and found that with all things to do with paint, good prep and good materials are the way to go. DUncan I have used fire blanket for the cladding and that’s in place. Ally dents no more or less then thin brass. I would like to use brass to be honest, but I have sheets of aluminium doing nothing.