As a complete aside (though tenuously linked to this project), I've just remembered an old method of hand-making domed rivets in plastic - one that I recall trying many years ago, and it does work once you get the hang of it.
Get some styrene rod (evergreen or similar) about 1 to 1.5mm in diameter, depending on how big you want your rivets to be.
Using either an electric hotplate (careful not to drip molten plastic on the cooker, that way lies domestic disharmony...) OR a gentle naked flame like a candle, hold the end of the rod near the heat source while slowly rotating the rod between your fingers to prevent drooping (oo-er...). As the end of the rod heats, it melt back on itself and will form into a neat little "mushroom" dome, which should retain its shape as soon as it is removed from the heat again. Several practice attempts will be required to get the domes of equal size, but after a while you'll be able to do each one in just a few seconds, then carefully snip it off the rod leaving just 1-2mm of "stalk" on each one. A little time and concentration and you should end up with a nice collection of little plastic mushroom domed rivets!
For accurate and secure fitting to the loco or whatever, mark and measure pencil lines and spacings, then drill holes with a fine drill in a hand chuck, dab a spot of liquid poly into the hole and insert the stem of the rivet. With care, the finished result can look damn good!
Jon.
Your comments, suggestions and recommendations are very useful and welcome!
