Best way to tie down lumber loads on bulkhead flats?

I have used the black pin-striping tape by passing it through the stake pocket and then looping it on itself for 1/8" or so.  The problem with this is that it is hard to get it to look taut.  Black elastic thread does not have this problem, but it looks like cable, not strapping.

I have a bulkhead flat that I need to simulate nylon strapping, the kind of wide fabric strapping you see used for sheetrock loads.  I have no idea what I am going to use but maybe someone will have a brainstorm.

Hey kj,

I'm not sure if this would fit in the holes of your flat cars, but they sell at Michael's, this rubberized string that is almost indestructable, and stretches a bit.    It comes two rolls per pack, one black, one milky white/clear in color.   It is about 1/16" (maybe slightly bigger) diameter, and you could glue or knot it at each end.    It would be like a rubberband of sorts, but round, like cable.    I use it on my bridges to represent cabling on the sides.    You can see it on my 2 arch Rockville, and also my 5 arch low bridges, and my plate deck girder bridge, that on my website.

Kids use it to string necklaces with beads, and it is in that area of the store, where it is found.

Do it like the big boys do.....use chain.   Go to any craft store and buy black MODEL BUILDER'S CHAIN.  You buy it by the foot.  Then do a search for load binders.  I bought a few feet of chain and about 20 binders years ago to secure army tanks to flat cars but I don't remember where I bought them.

Thanks for ideas!

The stretchy string stuff sounds like a good idea, if I add a corner bead of some type over the edges of the load this might work perhaps wide pin striping tape would work for this if it will hold in place.

The chain is another idea I have some but it does not really look the best for a lumber load they normally use those wide bands of tie down bands??

Now that you have me thinking about it, I think I did see a flat version of the stretchy stuff at Michael's, that I passed by at the time, because I was specifically looking for round.    I will check again, next time I go.

i buy cheap necklace chain at hobby lobby--spray paint flat black--and use very small springs underneath the car to adjust tension on chain --frank

Stopped by Michael's they did not have any flat stretchy stuff, but got the string as mentioned below; shiny black, or clear/white available in different sizes.

Now have to figure a good way to tie it down so cannot see the knots.

Creates a big knot when tied off.

The chain is an idea but they tend to use those wide bands like on truck tie downs for wood and most loads.

Good Day, 

How about the Sword chains and hooks?

http://www.3000toys.com/catalo...x?itemfind=SWORDP002

Chains are good. You can also use the plastic material that's used to make keyholders or other. You weave it to make the holder and it comes in assorted colors. It should be available at Michael's.

Bob 

I am going to try to simulate wide flat nylon tie-down straps for the gypsum-board load in my B&M flatcar by using Dritz-brand braided elastic.  It comes in 1/8" width, which is a little wide in O-scale, but it narrows when you stretch it.  I found it at a store called Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts.

The tricky part will be gluing or sewing it at the stake pockets.

I will put up a picture when done.

kj, I did just pierce a hole going sideways through it with a large safety pin with no problem, now I wonder if something could be inserted, like a 1/4" piece of stiff rod to act as a stop, to keep it from going back through the hole.    Just be careful, as it is elastic, and under tension, maybe use a small open chain link or something rather than a piece of straight steel.   Something to think about anyway, I'm sure with some thought, maybe something plastic and something not pointed or sharp might come to mind.

Here are some pix of the tie-down straps I used on my lumber car; scale out to about 5" wide, maybe a little too think.  Also, I did not model the little ratchets but rather just glued it to the stake pockets.  Still waiting for someone to perfect a shrinking ray.

These wallboard-carrying cars were modified from old flatcars in my hometown of Concord, NH in 1954.

BRUCE

Has anyone considered the flat plastic strap used for braids?

We made keychains and such from it as kids.

Comes in many colors and a couple sizes.

I know I am going to spell this wrong but are you thinking of what we used to call Bunedoggle?

Russell I did mention it but don't know the correct name of the stuff.

Bob

That is some nice looking freight you made.  When I need tie downs I raid my wife and daughters hair ties. Many colors and diameters. The older ones are stretched a bit andwork great for larger loads. I also use them on pipe and log loads. It makes it very easy to hook onto with cranes and such. They actually look pretty good. Extremely cheap. Girls usually have so many that they seldom notice when I raid them. 

My girls inform me it is called " Rex lace" . I know nothing of this but they say that is derinetly the name.