Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for providing a transport drum for use in equipment for the wet processing of photographic film and/or papers. A supporting insert is mounted on and secured to an axle; the insert includes a plurality of longitudinally extending ridges having T-shaped cross-sections. A suitable foam material having, for example, a rectangular or square cross-section, is drilled with a hole to permit the insertion of the axle and supporting insert. The foam material is forced over the supporting insert to insure intimate and firm contact between the surface of the supporting insert and the foam. The outer surface of the foam material is then shaped by conventional techniques to form a cylindrical drum comprising an axle, a supporting insert with longitudinal ridges, and cylindrically formed foam material.