This part might present a problem for some of you in that you don't have the materials, equipment or the expertise to accomplish it.Well, don't worry....I'll tell you how to do it in a way I know you can manage. However, let's get the more difficult method behind us first.
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Years ago, when I was in a model wagon building phase, I went to a local metal shop and had them cut me a bunch of metal strips that I could use for wheel rims. With their metal shear they clipped them off in just a few minutes while it would have been impossible for me to accomplish on my own. While you may not want to go this far with your wheel I thought you might like to see how I managed this detail with mine. It is all explained in the attached photos so I won't repeat it here. If you do want to try it this way you'll at least know whats involved. Personally, I like metal rims as the real wagons had just this type of rim and the metal ... well, it looks like metal.
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As for other ways to make the rims I'll give you two different methods. The first is the most simple in that it only requires some poster board. Just cut some strips 1/4" wide and about 24" long. Lay them flat on some newspaper and paint them silver. I'd leave the back side of the strip unpainted so you will have a good surface for some glue. Using the same methods as described in the photos for the metal rim cut your strips so they match tight against the wheel. Apply a little carpenters glue around the rim and clamp the rims in place to dry. You should have a little overhang on each side of the wooden wheel.
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Another way is to use some 1/16" thick leather. This material would also would work the same as the other two methods. If you've been to the Charles M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, Montana you probably saw a fantastic display of model wagons made by Dale Ford using leather as the rims. Here is a link to his website showing some of them: http://www.westernfineart.com/more_dale.html
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So there you have my methods for making wagon wheels. Like I said earlier, nothing fancy but good enough to get the job done. In the next part we'll start on the figure that leans against wheel.
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Lots of photos in the Gallery. Comments welcome too.
Hi Lynn, Very cool..Really appreciate your taking time to show us how to do some of these things that you do so well..I check your blog almost daily for new updates. Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteLynn
ReplyDeleteThanks again, Just in time to remind me to load the torch and silver solder on board. Somehow I'd envisioned useing that foil tape used for stained glass, guess I'll never know how that'd turned out.Probably too thin to look realistic. One day one night, I am outa heah !Warmer cimes here I come.
Uh, that'd be CLIMES oops
ReplyDeletelynn, have you ever seen any work of ivan collins, he made wagons , the oregon historical musuem has his book and 50 of his wagons, the man was almost as good as you,
ReplyDeletesam
Sam: Ivan Collins was a wonder at building wagons. I have both of his books..the first one and it's reissue with lots more photos. In no way would I ever compare myself to him. If you check out Dale Ford's website you'll see the wagons he did using Ivan's plans and techniques. Thanks for the comments.
ReplyDeleteGreat job, again, Lynn!
ReplyDeleteOne question, though, not about technique but about wagon wheels. I noticed that you placed a dot on either side of the spoke where it goes thru the rim, at least on the larger wheels. I'm figurin' that you know what you're doing, so (demonstrating here how little I really know about the wagons and wheels) do they add a bolt/rivet/clinched nail to help retain the spoke in the rim or is that to represent something else?
Hi Lynn, I got my wheel done. I used leather for the rim because that is what I already had. It is a thin rusty brown waxed leather. It does look nice. So, I am ready to go!! What size piece of wood will be needed for the figure? Thank You!!!! Craig in Pa.
ReplyDeleteHELLO LYNN:
ReplyDeleteThanks for another well done project and all the info. you have given. Great way of attaching the wheel rim and the way you have finished the wheel.
I have found another book on AMAZON.COM about Ivan Collins entitled:HORSE POWER DAYS copyright 1953. GREAT BOOK,and there is a chapter on PHOTOGRAGHING THE MINATURES AND HOW THEY ARE MADE. Thought and your follers might be interested. Hope you can find a copy.
As always"YOU MAKE MY DAY".
GORDON-BOISE MILLS
hi lynn, great job, i cant wait until the next blog. i hope bommer is well. we have quarter horses too. maybe we can get together and ride some day. thanks again for yoyr work.glyn roe
ReplyDeleteLynn I finaly got the wheels going my way, made a jig for drilling the spoke holes, didnt have a source here for Plywood so I cut them out of 1/4 inch pine, that became a real challenge. also all I have is galvanized flashing metal, so I used some self adhesive copper strips used in stained glass work, then coated it wiith solder looks almost Ok
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