I was wondering if anyone can tell me what the ground cover would be around a modern Grain Facility. I understand that the grain bins would be firmly fixed to some sort of solid base, i.e. Concrete but what of the area between the bins.
Is this normally gravelled over and kept clean and weed free or do they become overgrown.
I have had difficulty in finding pictures of the general area at these facilities. I guess there are some but it is knowing where to find them.
Yes, as you described, if it is a busy newer type structure or even a revamped older unit, the bins are set on concrete, It is only the real old style bins that you would see exposed timbers. The grounds, again as you described are quite clean, maybe a small amount of blowen in trash, as you know we have a lot of wind here. There is gravel up the ramp into the elevator, sometimes the beams of the elevator truck floor extend out from the elevator and become a leading edge of the ramp into the elevator, on the newer ones this as well would be a concrete extension and most of the yard will be gravelled.
Only the bigger inland terminals would have asphalt pavement on the ramp and/or the approach to the ramp. The office is set up at the top of the ramp height, in newer units ,on formed concrete foundations, and on older ones they used cindercrete blocks.
The ones that are of a moderate size would not have their own switcher but would have a cable and pulley devise running along the side of the loading rails. These are powered by stationary electric or diesel motors. These cables would run for quite a distance, ( not sure how far ) but I would guestimate enough length to be able to pull 15 to 20 cars in each direction. I have seen instances where these loaded cars and cars to be loaded were pulled into place by a regular farm tractor as well. This would probably be used if the power was out or a switcher not available.
If there is any weeds around they would most likely be accumulated on the far side of the through track. Also around the loading track you would find some spilt grain
Depending on what you mean by “grain facility” would that be a grain 'Elevator" as we call them on the prairies, or a grain terminal. larger operations with huge storage capacity, smaller elevators made of wood were all over the prairies, many replaced with modern concrete terminals, the ground surrounding these facilities were not maintained as gardens and were pretty well left to nature, weeds, dirt , maybe a small bush or so, would be common and gravel or pavement on the road areas.
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Here is a link to a typical small town Canadian Prairie Elevator. Note that Walthers has two kits in HO for this type of elevator and they are both very close to Canadian Prototypes.
Also, the web is full of pictures and other information just search for Priairie Grain Elevators and you will come across all you will ever need to know.
Don7: That elevator at Scandia appears to be preserved as a historic display, complete with long obsolete graphics, so the surrounding area is not typical of a working elevator. But as you say, there are lots of pictures out there.
I think that Johnboy and tatans know what I’m thinking of.
The large concrete silos and corregated steel bins is what I’m talking about that have superceded the ‘prairie skyscrapers’ which have all but vanished from the canadian skyline.
I guess that there are less of these monsters than the original elevators.
I have built up the main parts of the facility, 24 concrete silos, 5 steel bins and a conveyor leg and I want to create an authentic setting for them.
Try google SASKATCHEWAN GRAIN TERMINAL PHOTOS" it will give you lots of photos and information, I think if you do very little re: natural landscaping around the elevator/terminal you will be all right.
You are correct that there are fewer terminals than elevators, one terminal probably replaces 20 or 30 old wooden elevators and the distances apart are farther (further?)