Grain elevator

[The Devonian]

Once I laid my track was laid and the limitations of my back garden recognized I have, over the last five or so years, built up my rolling stock fleet.
There is very little stock I need - but as we all know temptations for a particular new model are often encountered - so my attention has been towards lineside structures.
Recently, some folks will recall that I posted pics on this Forum. I built a new freight shed. A coal facility or mine was felt to require too much space so I opted for that iconic feature of the North American prairies; the grain elevator.
It is built from decking (narrow grooved outermost to simulate planking) with roofing tiles for the roofs.
Dimensions are 12"x12" (not including the lean to reception bay) and the height 40". It weighs heavy so winds should present little problem.
There are some additional items to be applied such as decals, delivery piping and staging together with the small adjacent office and walkway associated with most elevators. This one is based on a simple Canadian style elevator, painted in CP red.
I will post further pics later on when the elevator is sited in its correct location (when flowers have finished and can be removed) and the additional outstanding items done.

 

[MR SPOCK]

Looks the bizz, you must have the same wind blowing that I have here,​

 

[DVRR]

Looks good, creative use of decking!

 

[The Devonian]

Thank you gentlemen for your comments. Being on a headland the winds do whistle by as they travel up the English Channel. However they also hit me from all the other compass points.
Regarding the decking: I was pleased to find this design. I has wondered about individual planking but that would certainly have been a labour of love and I doubt that it would have survived much time outdoors.
Hopefully the decking will last for many years.

 

[jameshilton]

It has captured the look perfectly having seen hundreds of these traditional elevators back in 1989 and again in 1999 on family holidays to Canada. In 1999 it was sad to see them in decline as the grain co-operatives started introducing larger elevators along the trunk rail routes and abandoning some of the short lines. Lovely in CP maroon too!

 

[The Devonian]

Thank you James.
One of the principal factors in siting a grain elevator is that it should ideally be in an area of open space to resemble a prairie - not easily achieved in my back garden - and, of course, adjacent to a section of track. The proposed site is adjacent to a loop line but I might put in a spur to solely serve the elevator.

For any other American outline modeler I would mention that not only were dedicated covered hoppers used ( I know Spike has one or two more modern ones on his railroad) for the shipping of grain but at an earlier period boxcars were also used.

 

[The Devonian]

I decided to add my latest build to this thread - even if it not a grain elevator!
Six years ago I built a timber trussed bridge but I have always thought an 'All American' covered bridge with be a fine asset to the O&NF RR.
This covered bridge is based on a preserved road bridge in Wisconsin - pedestrians only now as a new road was built adjacent to it some years ago. It will assist in keeping resin of my track as it will be sited beneath a 20ft. tall Christmas tree. The existing open bridge will be removed and new abutments built.
The only issue right now is that I have to remove a rose bush plus ivy from a low wall and clear wild strawberries (how they travel ) and more ivy from what once was 'a dry creek'. Work cannot start until a very active nest of wasps has gone. or died, which ever happens when it gets cold, I feel there is far too much disturbance to the immediate area where the nest is so discretion id the order of the day.
I recently bought an Aristo scrap metal load for an open gondola. My son has weathered it to my great pleasure. Aristo only make one load: I am now working out how to have another which does not appear identical. Painting the coloured cabinets another colour might be one anser.

 

[steven large]

wow i was supposed to make the grain elvator like yr! wow...i will make one day using spare wood and decking! yr covered bridge is MIND BLOWING!!! wow...im jealous..lol lol.

 

[trammayo]

THe bridge looks a really nice job - like it

 

[Richie]

Fantastic looking covered bridge and grain elevator

 

[The Devonian]

In my post of 28th. September, this year, I mentioned that my covered bridge could not be put into its permanent home due an active wasps nest nearby.
The wasps have more or less gone; died, flown away, or asleep - whatever they do when it gets cold. One or two still remain curious but I think they have gotten used to my activities near their home when I have been cleaning track and removing leaves and odd bits of debris.
The original bridge, which has been there for almost six years was removed and the ground cleared of unwanted plants. The rose bushes have been pruned as it too late in the season to move them. They will find a new home in the spring.
The 60" x 6" x 2" timber deck was still in good condition and was re-used as a base for the new bridge. Extra 2" x 2" timbers were affixed to the deck to make a good support for the bridge.
A test train ran today with the 'brass' inspection crew in a Jackson & Sharpe car through the bridge and over the re-ballasted track on the bridge approaches. All in order, was the verdict!.