Fuel Pipes to/from Pump House

[bc6]

As some of you may know Im putting together a small fuel complex which will attach to my locomotive facility. Id like to add some piping from the pump house to the smaller tank and from the other small tank to the larger tank. Which size evergreen styrene tubing would you recommend that I use. Id also like to use some smaller diameter pipes from the pump house into the ground, I plan on having a this all on a base to make moving a bit easier.

[Scottl]

I would consider all possible sources here.  Old sprues make good pipe, drinking straws, disposable pens, etc.  It will depend on the sizes you need, but these can work as nicely as styrene shapes.

[Philip H]

Wire coat hanger wire. Nice size, takes paint well, bends any which way you want.

[M.C. Fujiwara]

I used K&S 3/32" aluminum tubing for my pipes:





Before installing I sprayed them with Dullcote and brushed some weathering powders so they weren't so shiny.
I wanted the metal look, but if you're going to paint them you can use cheaper stuff like sprues.
You could probably use 1/8" dowels or bamboo skewers, too, if you sprayed them with enamel first to get rid of the woodgrain.
Heck, why not straws?

[M.C. Fujiwara]

Wire coat hanger wire. Nice size, takes paint well, bends any which way you want.

Great idea!
Biggest drawback to the alum tubes is the bending (or lack of without special tool).

[bc6]

Thanks guys, hey M.C. besides the 3/32 size tubing is there any other sizes you use. Ive been working on my fueling complex a bit today and so far this is what Ive got. Maybe its me but I think the pipes need to be a little more complex what do you guys think. Of course I have a way to go still like adding ladders, gates, grab irons,  retaining walls etc

[GP38-2freak]

Don't laugh but try spaghettis..use steam or warm water to bend them but you must be sure not to cook them...they'll bend easy

[peteski]

I would stay away from food items. I'll never forget an article in N-Scale magazine where the author made modern street lamps out of spaghetti!  Not only this stuff is brittle compared to metal or plastic rods, it can also easily become moldy. Remember, many model railroads are in basements which are sometimes damp.  Mold and mildew loves to grow on organic items such as spaghetti.  This is one of those ideas which seems brilliant but in the long run, it might not be so good.

Also, instead of using tubing (which is difficult to bend without kinking, use rods. Those can easily be bent without kinking.Of if you must use tubing, just fill it with some sotr of solid material (such as sand or even piece of aluminum or copper wire).  That will prevent the kinking while the tube is bent.