I'm doing a diorama w/ an M1 going down an Iraqi highway. I have plenty of photos and the guardrails are pretty much like the ones here in the US. So far what I plan on doing is using Evergreen channel. It's okay, but I was wondering if anybody out there has a better idea.

Bob

Bob,
Here's an idea. You may be able to find in the premade wooden moulding section of your local DIY store a moulding with the correct profile, then burnish thin metal sheet onto it to get the gaurdrails you need. Posts could be made out of Plastruct or other I-beam shaped plastic.

If you are trying for the "wavy" face guardrail maybe corrugated cardboard would work? If you need dimensions, you should be able to find standard guardrail plans at several state department of transportation websites.

Here's a link to Missouri's standards (it's a rather large file) http://modot.org/business/standards_and_specs/documents/606.00ar.pdf

Gino's idea is out of scale. But Kilroy's is interesting. I think I got it figured out, though. I found nothing at the RR hobby shop in the Plastruct and Evergreen stands, but another trip to of all places, Hobbytown, had a great selection. Both manufacturers make half round rod. I can take two pieces, glue it to a slightly wider very thin, flat piece. and I have the rounded guardrail. Essentially the half round is on top, a gap in the middle showing the flat back piece, and then the other half round piece at the bottom.

In looking at photos, Iraq also uses guardrails that are more square edged, so I can use small square rod using the same idea as above. The key is to have a slight gap between the two.

Right now I am building a highway overpass, so the guardrails will be later. I will post some pics when I get something going.

Bob,
I wouldn't discount it so quickly. There are some really small, fine mouldings at my local Home Depot that would work well for a master to burnish some thin metal onto. Just need to look around and think out of the box.

Okay Gino. Maybe I looked in the wrong spots. I'll ask around the next time I am there. I was working on the bridge and highway last night a little. Once it takes shape more, I will try and post some photos.