I got a great new model in the mail today. The GC Laser Z Scale Elevator, built by Bob Mitchell: I did have a fuel depot/ tank farm under construction for this spot, but it was just not right. This Elevator is perfect: It finishes the backdrop of my module perfectly, and helps hold the theme of the module together. Thanks Bob!
Robert, The elevator looks fantastic. Bob does phenomenal work, as was evidenced by the examples he brought to the Capitol Connection. I all but BEGGED him to sell me some of his buildings, but I couldn't talk him into it. Does he only do contracted work? I can't wait to see your stuff in person some day.
Robert, You must be up to your ears in Z scale grain! I like the paint job with the weathering. I have a GC kit on the corner of my layout: http://zcentralstation.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/10120/Zlayout57.jpg It will probably be the most detailed area on the layout (someday) I do wish they would include some progress shots of the kit. The instruction go something like this: Glue wall F to wall G, then glue on wall P. I figured it all out in the end and it's a great looking building with tons of roof angles. I see a sign is need on mine...
i have to agree with chris, the weathering is just great. i love the color ... it just looks "right." i have to get my layout going. i've revised track plans 10 times and then just before i start on the one i've decided ... i rethink it again: maybe wider? maybe longer? i don't think i'll ever get one done. but, until i have some MTL turnouts, whats the hurry? i want scenery! buildings! track! a grain elevator like robert prays! you guys are supplying the inspiration, now i just need do get 'er done. dave f. p.s. i love the blue chevy. used to have a '52 GMC pickup just that color!
My only dislikes about this kit! Please don't get me wrong, this is a beautiful structure, but............ I have brought this up before. I have several links to old wooden and metal covered grain elevators. From as far north in Canada to the southern tips of Texas. I have never seen an elevator configured like this one. NEVER! When I say configured, I am talking about the placement of the drive-thru grain dump compared to the area of grain storage! You see, the grain storage is positioned in the elevator closest to the tracks. Grain weighs alot for most of the time the grain is heavy from moisture. Dryer grain is preferred and actually pays better, but that is another subject. (I use to work in a Farmers CO-OP gin and elevator) Anyways, the grain storage starts at the ground level and goes as high as the elevator is tall. The storage never starts at 20' or 25' or any height above the ground. Toooooooo much weight! OK, my point is, if you look at GC's elevator you will see that they placed the drive-thru truck ramp nearest the tracks. The main height of this elevator is nearest the tracks which means the storage is above the truck ramp. This makes NO Sense and would have been a very, Very, VERY dangerous practise to say the least. Prototypical! I think not, yet GC claims that this is a design of a grain elevator in there town. I have yet to see the photos, but am waiting. Who wants to risk hundreds of tons of grain breaking thru an overhead storage and dumping on top of a possible truck and or people? Please excuse my ill temper on this subject, but it just ain't right!!! If you want to look at the several hundreds of grain elevator photos I have and that are located on websites, just ask and I will produce them. This structure looks outstanding, but it ain't right! Hobo Tim
Years ago, I started scratch building a simialr elevator in Z. It was based on one I saw here in Ohio. I actually was doing it one board at a time for that rustic look. I never finished it. Did any of you see the photo of the yard tower that GCLaser is offering? It is in the current issue of Ztrack. The tower is outstanding! They do great work. Rob
If its good enough for Robert Ray and Rob Kluz then GCLaser is good enough for me! I already own several of Don Schmidt's items and can't wait for "J" yard tower! John Bartolotto
Yes I seen the photo of the GC yard tower in Ztrack, and I simply must own one. I have a spot on this module for it, and will be first in line to get one. -Robert:shade:
I agree with Tim about the door placement, but I agree with every one else too. It's a great model. I wanted to have a row of silo's along the tracks next to the elevator. I couldn't put the silo's there because they would have blocked the doors. Because of that and proto photo's of other silo's along the tracks I too though it (door) was wrong. I know nothing about grain elevators though. I'll live with it. I might add that GSLaser offers this same kit in a mirror image, but they only show one way in their photo's. I E-mailed them about that and they told me how simple it was to figure out and explained further. So I ordered and got the exact opposite of what I thought I was getting... So much of simple.
Great model Robert! I was wondering what these things looked like. I am tempted to get one. Although I must agree with Tim about the structure being not prototypical, it does really look fantastic. I think I can live with that!
If you buy this kit, you can make very quick mods during assembly, and move the grain loading ramp to the back. I have looked at quite a few laser kits from many different companies, while training myself how to design models. Out of all of them I have seen so far, I believe this GC laser kit has some of the finest laser cutting I have seen yet. Kim Vellore, although not selling kits yet, is the true master of laser cutting. His cuts are hands down the finest I have seen. I have a team platform Kim made that has some laser cut plywood railings that must be .005" thick! He almost cheats though, as he uses a 1.5" lens that makes the finest cuts I have seen.
Joe, we haven't seen you in a while. Do you have a update on your layout. I have thought of getting one, but I wanted one that is more modern looking. I was able to get one from that Canadian company.
Thanks for asking John, I have been quite busy. I teach and coach High School football, and this is my busy season til November, Thanksgiving if things go real well! A lot of times I'll get on just to read posts quickly and then reply at night or on the weekends. There is so much going on here in Z I like to keep updated. I have no additions with the old layout. However I am starting to build my new layout with the MT track...I am waiting for the MT tournouts so I can get my track plan up and then decide how to fill it. At this point I basically have two ovals scince that is all you can do without the turnouts. I am at the stage of deciding whether or not to have all different structures, or to cannabilize my old layout and reuse and recreate. So Although there is not much modeling going on, there is much thinking and planning. How about your layout John? I have noticed that you have got quite the assortment of new rolling stock lately, or are you like me waiting for the MT tournouts?
[FONT="]Thanks for the compliments Rob. I have been trying to get back to Z this last week for the BOYZ, but the 1:1 scale projects has been taking the priority. Hope to get the skeleton working by the 23rd. Kim [/FONT]
Joe, I dont think I will try to build another layout until I retire. My next layout will require the airconditioning of the garage, or when the boys will be on their own.
