A question about securing flatcar loads.

I don't glue them.  I block them like the real railroads do, or use elastic thread, or mini-chains.  I figure I may want to change the load some day.

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Dennis

I have a few flatcars with removeble loads.I use rubberbands you can find them in different colors.You can find them at office depot,lows and walmart.

wheel chocks made from basswood, chains from AC Moore:

I have done one with the craft jewelry chain and spring from pen. I hammered a paper clip piece, hook shaped, flat to make hooks. I still haven't found anything to use for a turnbuckle. looks good holding down a Cat D.

I glued another with craft glue from a hot glue gun, little spots, in case I wanted to remove it.

next up is a frame and chocks out of wood.

All of the above are great ideas.  Until now, I have used black twist ties to secure all myu vehicles for the three transport trains I run.  This method works, and it's pretty easy.  It doesn't look all that great, however.   Like the elastic bands that come with some auto transport cars.

When I run out of things to do, I may just convert to one of the ideas presented above.  The forum continues to rock with super ideas.  

Agreed Bob;

I keep meaning to get some fine chain but never seem to get it done.

Blocks / Chocks exist on some of my flats but not all of them yet.

I have used the doubled sided foam tape.  I didn't want to drill holes in the real wood bed on the flat car I used.  It may not look prototypical but it works.  I also have a hard time manipulating the fine chain.

Larry

Same here....and if your loads are small enough, like these, you really don't even need chains.  I put a barrier on one side of the front wheels and another barrier on the opposite side on the rear, and the autos seem to stay in place pretty nicely.

- Mike

Lots of good ideas and some great pictures to boot. Thanks all....

I first use Aileen's tacky glue by putting a drop on each tire or track Etc. 

I then use chocks  and chains for the detail.

The glue keeps the loads from shifting but yet is easy to remove when needed.

Do not use CA glue, it will ruin the tires or whatever if you try to remove the load. 

Black women's ponytail bands, an idea I received from someone here. Cheap, elastic, black, and easy on/off.  Available everywhere - Target, Walgreens, etc.  They work well and look like thick black rope from a distance.  By no means a rivet counter method, but they do the job on my CAT train.

I use these chains in oxidized color option...

2.5x1.5mm brass link chain

Flatcar Load for a Rail Camera

I use a camera on a flatcar for taking videos of layout from a camera.

Camera bolt. Like a tripod, same threads.

See Photos.

Gary

That is so obvious..but only after you see someone else do it!  Very clever. 

Great source, already colored! Thanks for the link. Nice work on that flat, too!

You are welcome and thank you.