Here's an update on my progress with the Grain facility in Maple Valley. I've finished 4 of the 5 structures as of 9pm tonight. I'm fairly happy with the production, the bases on the two grain bins are a tough fit, but we'll manage. A couple of broken and missing parts on the second bin made for some interesting kitbashing. Rest assured, I'll never admit what was fabricated! Here's how the entire scene is taking shape. First shot with the original choice for the mill itself. On Tuesday, Scott and Doug brought up the idea of using an alternate structure that I've had sitting around for a while, here it is... So what do you guys think? I'm open to change. Anyway, only thing left is at least one elevator. I'm using the Rix kit. Looks to be a fun build. I have two of them, may build a second for a truck bay, because I have so much free time. Well that's it for tonight. Look forward to your thoughts. As always, thanks for checking in. M RAINIER GREAT WESTERN RAILROAD
I like the first mill building. It looks like what a trackside structure should be - dirty! Soot and grime rules! Maybe it could also use a narrow platform on the track side, connecting the two sliding doors. The second one is bigger, but needs some weathering to be a better fit. It's just too clean. Either way, it's going to be great-looking facility. But every time I look at those silos I have the urge to stack them and put some rocket engines on them. I'm kinda weird like that... Keep up the good work.
Michael, the grain facility is really coming together nicely. I REALLY like it. The arrangement looks good. The red trim on the main building is a nice touch. Of course, thanks to Mike, I now have the vision of rockets stuck in my head as well.
Making progress on the final structure. Dinner calls.... More to follow. RAINIER GREAT WESTERN RAILROAD
Your paint storage is fantastic to behold! A question about pinch clamps- I have some which are metal, but they grasp very firmly. At times, far too much, as to damage what they hold. I would like some with just a light/gentle tension. I am wondering about those in your photo. What amount of tension do those seem to possess?
They are harbor freight brand. They work fine, the tips move so you can adjust to angles that aren't too severe. Pressure is a bit much in some circumstances. I've also used reversed clothes pins, they work great for lighter pressure requirements. By reversed I mean you flip the spring. RAINIER GREAT WESTERN RAILROAD
I have two sets of those clamps. They are much nicer than most other brands and the pads are cushy. By turning the adjustable one around they can also push.
Just wrapped up another night of progress on the RGW. Scott surprised us all with a new addition to the layout. Fabulous little scratch build, while using a 3d printed port a john. Great stuff, he is a very accomplished modeler. Rey continued working on improvements to the SD60. By evening's end he had that unit running flawlessly through all manner of turnouts. First time since we acquired that unit it traversed the layout without derailing. Winning! As for me, I put the finishing touches on the grain elevator. Then we brought everything over to the scene and started moving things around. Here's where we are leaning: As you can see we settled on the smaller white structure. As for the positioning of the bins, turning the surger sideways gave us more realistic angles for pipes from the elevator to the bins. I'm still struggling with how many visible pipes are needed, where they go and how many, if any, above ground manifolds are necessary to make this mill realistic. I'll take any suggestions from the crowd. One last shot before calling it an evening, just noticed this angle as we were wrapping up. Might actually be a new favorite. Any way, that's it for tonight, as always, thanks for checking in. RAINIER GREAT WESTERN RAILROAD
After much discussion in the last 24 hours with good friends, I've settled on the following layout and the gray building. I will be employing a conveyor system between the towers and pipes to everything else, including the building. I am also considering more tanks, albeit smaller dimensions, to the left of the road, where you can see the dirt surface at this point. More to come I'm sure.... RAINIER GREAT WESTERN RAILROAD
