I am wondering what those of you that have modeled old elevators have used. Of the pics I included, I’m looking at the old weathered tin on these elevators. Also in the ethanol plant picture, how are you that do it modeling the large white smooth-steel tanks? In regard to the old elevators, One person I talked to uses corrugated cardboard (lined) and paints with gray and adds brown streaks for rust streaks but am wondering if there are any other methods out there. Thanks for any input-here’s the pics:
Old elevator:
Old elevator on the left:
ethanol plant-question on the large smooth-steel white tanks:
The white tanks can be easily modeled using white PVC pipe foufnd in any hardware/home improvement store. Just find a suitable diameter, cut to the height you need, add styrene tops and you may not even have to paint the thing, except for some weathering.
Walthers has a couple of large tank kits that look pretty good, but they are too expensive. I agree that the best way to go is with PVC. That’s what I am doing for my Chem. Plant. [:)]
For the basic modern evevator, definitely go with the PVC method. The stuff cuts easily in a chop saw, and hardware stores sell PVC glues. Use plain styrene for the silo caps and square elevator section of the building.
For the silver storage silos, you can’t beat the Rix kits. They also make an excellent freestanding elevator. Ditto for the smooth white storage tanks for the ethanol plant.
For the old elevators and storage building, use Evergreen “corrugated siding” and “metal roofing” styrene sheets. Windows and doors are made by Grandt Line and Tichy.
Jamison1,
Modifying Beckstev’s suggestion a bit, Plastruct: http://www.plastruct.com
has hemispherical, elliptical, and dished domes in a variety of diameters that may match the PVC pipe diameter you choose. They also have corrugated siding and kits for vertical storage tanks that you might want to consider.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543
Jamison1,
Although there have been some new products in the past 10 years, and although it is about a feed mill in New York state, I think you’ll find some useful tips in the following article:
“Modeling Maxon Mills: A pike-sized HO scale industry compressed from a prototype,” Ed Steinberg, Model Railroader, August 1994, pages 66-71
Bob
NMRA Life 0543
The one in MR November 1985 is even easier though. In that article the author just used heavy duty aluminium foil, and some textured Evergreen sheets. He simply burnished the foil to conform to the sheets, and made as much as he needed.
