03-09-2011, 08:28 PM
Most pipe used on locomotives is sized by its interior diameter, and you'll find a pipe size conversion chart on the packages of brass and stainless steel wire sold by Detail Associates. For instance, their WR 2507 is .022" brass wire, which in HO scale is appropriate for 1.5" iron pipe (I.D.), which has an O.D. of 1.9"(HO), very close to the .022" diameter of the wire. So, to be reasonably accurate, you need to know the diameter (I.D. or O.D.) of the prototype pipe. For detailing steam locos and rolling stock, I keep a supply of brass wire on hand, ranging from .006" (retainer piping) to .052" for heavy steam or water lines. For larger pipe I use suitably-sized copper wire, plus steel music wire for handrails, stainless steel for brake rigging and various sizes of phosphor bronze wire for soldered applications requiring more durability.
Many of Cal-Scale's steam loco detail parts include a piping diagram, with appropriate pipe sizes noted. Most of those sizes are inside diameters. PSC's detail parts usually have no piping diagram and, in most cases not even a name for the part, only a stock number - if you don't recognise the part, you'll need the catalogue to identify it.
Wayne
Many of Cal-Scale's steam loco detail parts include a piping diagram, with appropriate pipe sizes noted. Most of those sizes are inside diameters. PSC's detail parts usually have no piping diagram and, in most cases not even a name for the part, only a stock number - if you don't recognise the part, you'll need the catalogue to identify it.
Wayne