Model Railway Forum

I have previously used the Ratio gutter and downpipes kits, but I am getting to the stage on my layout where I will be adding several buildings. So at about £7 a time the Ratio kits are going work out expensive.

What do others use as an alternative? This is for OO gauge.

Half round plasticard for gutters. Strip the insulation from some twin and earth solid cable and bend the copper core to shape. If you want to get fancy add some thin wire to represent joints and brackets.

Drinking straws and a sharp razor blade.

Steve M wrote: ↑Mon Mar 20, 2023 6:35 pm ...Strip the insulation from some twin and earth solid cable and bend the copper core to shape...

That sounds promising.

brian1951 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 20, 2023 7:11 pm Drinking straws and a sharp razor blade.

I thought of drinking straws, but they seem too big these days.

Straws are too big for O gauge.

You lot need to get out more, i have used straws on OO and O , you can get them in various sizes if you look. Small boxed drinks with attached straws are ideal ,if you have a steady hand, slice straw length way and twist to dia you need. then a drop of glue. Simples. Gutters just cut length to suit, half is not seen on dia,

As an example, this is a shed I built for a friend which shows the wire and half round method.

2021-08-30_10-46-17 by Steve Mumford, on Flickr

Steve M wrote: ↑Tue Mar 21, 2023 10:01 am As an example, this is a shed I built for a friend which shows the wire and half round method.

Very effective!

Same here, half round and wire.