Need Advice from 1/6 Modellers

[Tarbicus]

but for the actual wood I'm rather at a loss for what to use.

Perhaps cut the shape from thin cardboard tubing of the right diameter? Some kind of food container maybe.

You could also try plastic card, cut to shape flat first, and form it using hot water to soften and a hairdryer to keep it soft, over the appropriate shape. Once dry and cold it should keep the shape enough for bracing at the back to reinforce it.

Also, something like this, with doubled layers for strength, perhaps:
[url:2e77q16i]http://www.packexpo.com/ve/37526/main.html[/url]

I'm also sure thin-ish balsa sheet could go be soaked and formed into the right shape carefully, but it could be too fragile at that thickness.

For the above, I imagine the bracers at the back could be made from layers of plastic sheet, liquid glued (almost melted) together in the right shape. Once dry I think they would be rock solid and act as an excellent 'shape-retainer'.

Alternatively, how about a sheet of thin brass? The forming would be easier, but the cutting would be the tricky part.

Cheers.