I've stopped work on the Princess Shilo Mine for a while, so I could get going on the Mineral Ridge Mill. The space available for this mill is very limited and challenging, and will only permit a very small mill. My goal is to create a freelance structure that is at least plausible and follows prototype practices as much as possible.
I had previously built the foundations for the mill, and the large wooden ore bin. The next step was to design the mill building. It's a fairly complex shape, with an irregular footprint, that goes up the slope in steps. The easiest way to design the building was to build a mockup out of foam core art board.
I started with the grizzly and sorting house on top of the ore bin. Because there will be mine tracks leading to the sorting house from two different levels, I originally planned to make the sorting house a two-story structure. Here's the first mockup, sans roof:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9460c%2FIMG_9460c.jpg&hash=313fe0c93e893022a29e363d6ecf8cdda9da24e8)
After seeing this in place, I didn't like the looks of it. It was too tall and would block the view of structures that will later be added behind it. I cut it shorter, changed the shape of the roof, and added an opening in the roof where ore can be dumped from the higher of the two mine tracks.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9480c%2FIMG_9480c.jpg&hash=65a160ba098ea18ed5db5a79ea2f7fd19401e263)
Next I went to work on the main mill structure, starting at the level just below the ore bin. As with the sorting house, I started out making it a taller structure, then decided to cut it shorter. (When determining what will look best, it's easier to cut off excess material than to try putting it back on.)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9489c%2FIMG_9489c.jpg&hash=f6bac9ba2fdc6fe89fce314510dd9abaa7829242)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9513c%2FIMG_9513c.jpg&hash=80847afe6f66e9423d3699cab4e09ff399262c9d)
Anyway, here's what I ended up with. I haven't added roofs yet, and may not as they aren't critical to the mockup. The next step will be working out the size and location of the doors, windows and certain other exterior details.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9520c%2FIMG_9520c.jpg&hash=9795dfa7e14a51b31eda77d351dc471e8e112ed4)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9519c%2FIMG_9519c.jpg&hash=1e3495ca652bef5a4595c1eb70aef2a28df30caf)
The actual model will be constructed using Sintra PVC board, with corrugated metal applied to the exterior. I don't intend to model the interior, though it will have lights. I may install just enough timbers and other bits to give the impression that the structure isn't completely hollow.
That's all for now. Enjoy!
.
Even more than the structure, I find the overall concept of a steep hill with a mill on one side and commercial structures on the other kind of cool. Are you figuring out this stuff as you go along or is it all part of a previously devised "grand plan"? -- Russ
Mostly making it up as I go.
Must be fun being a garden gnome at your house.
Ray that is just an awesome RR your building.
Jerry
I like your approach and your results very much. Your building in situ results in very credible structures and shapes. I would not have wanted to live on the other side of the road ... might have been somewhat dusty :).
Volker
Progress continues to be very slow lately, but here's a brief update:
I've cut out the openings for the doors and windows, and built the roofs. Each roof is removable for access to the interior:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9544c%2FIMG_9544c.jpg&hash=625d664d46d5777c0ac45ba1bb9caff9d5f91974)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9552%2FIMG_9552.jpg&hash=415e4922fdda50684e1ebfb1657b761e2e3e1a70)
Except for the large freight door, I'll be using Grandt Line doors and windows for this structure, as they are almost identical to the styles typically seen on mill and mine structures. However, since this is supposed to be a fairly old and weathered building, I've added more prominent wood grain and a few cracks:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_8534c%2FIMG_8534c.jpg&hash=ef05e0ae448601212c808f8b8974103a0df59711)
The exterior of the mill will be clad with corrugated metal. I originally wanted to use the very nice, galvanized stuff sold by Rainbow Ridge. However, this structure will require about 10 square feet of material, and I can't really afford that much right now. Also, if I make my own I can make it thinner and more pliable. So I'm making it out of .001" thick shim brass from McMaster-Carr.
I cut it into pieces a little over four inches long, then heat each piece with a torch to anneal it. Next it is sprayed with oven cleaner. I let it soak in the oven cleaner for a while as that seems to slightly etch the surface. After rinsing and drying, then I place it over a piece of corrugated material and use a dull pencil tip to embossed the ridges. Then I cut them into strips a little over 1 inch wide. A very laborious process, but I have more time than money.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9555c%2FIMG_9555c.jpg&hash=55bf1ba02a81cabbbf83e2700aab1a551a89ae4b)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9557c%2FIMG_9557c.jpg&hash=dbb8221a332d5d8bd580a3b78dde17aa26ed1f08)
So that's where things stand. I still have a lot more corrugated metal to make, and then apply it to the structure. Also need to paint the doors and windows, and cut glass to fit. And I haven't built the sorting house yet, that goes on top of the ore bin.
.
Ray that's a nice looking window.
Is that final look of the metal roofing?? or will there be some more weathering??
Nice job all the way around. Thanks for posting.
Jerry
Back in the day when all this stuff was built by hand, wasn't the nominal sheet size of corrugated iron about 6 feet long x 3 feet wide? I know the current standard here in Australia is 762mm wide which would be about 2 feet 6 inches but the new lengths are of course determined by the machine making the stuff - up to eight metres long (24 feet). I know back when my father was a bricklayer, all materials were designed to be handled manually up and down scaffolds without the use of cranes or machinery.
Ray.
Why not use the disposable metal trays from the grocery/dollar store?
I also use a paint tube crimper (from michaels) to do large scale corrigated.
Looing great!
Marty
Jerry, the corrugated metal will be painted to look galvanized and weathered.
Ian, most of the corrugated on the buildings I'm using as reference, is about 2' x 8'.
Marty, I'll have to look into that paint tube crimper. I've used a paper crimper before but the corrugations are really oversized. It's not too bad on a roof, but on walls, next to doors and windows, it's much more noticeable.
The tube squeezer has been discussed on another piece of this forum. In a link to the origional article it points to where someone had taken 2 of them and made an even larger roller for corrugated sheets.
I once rolled some from shim steel and then dipped it into vinegar with a dash of salt added and had instant rusty roofing.
Time for another progress report... Mostly I've been making corrugated metal sheets and gluing them to the structure.
At first I used Loctite Pro Line Premium construction adhesive, a thick, gooey, polyurethane glue. This would have provided a very strong and durable bond, however there were some issues.
One, despite being thick and gooey, it didn't grip enough to hold the corrugated panels flat prior to curing. This meant only a few panels could be applied at a time, which then had to be pressed down with weight until the glue cured -- and if it wasn't very level, the panels and weights would slide off. (I found this out the hard way.) The other issue was that excess glue was difficult to clean off and tended to stick to everything, including the weights.
So I switched to using DAP Dynaflex 230, a paintable, weatherproof sealant. I've never used it to attach brass to plastic before, but I have used it for several other applications outdoors and haven't had any trouble with it. So I think it will hold just fine, and is definitely not going to decay or deteriorate due sun or weather. It's gummy enough hold the panels flat without weights, and excess material cleans off easily with a damp rag.
On February 22 we hosted our club's monthly meeting/open house, so the mill was on display despite being far from completion:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9560%2FIMG_9560.jpg&hash=5e687286d2d4031d1654de17a9fc5994298ee95e)
Since then I have gotten a lot more of the corrugated metal panels installed. The rear of the structure is mostly hidden by the cliff, so I only put the metal panels on where they would be most likely to show:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9568c%2FIMG_9568c.jpg&hash=6bc11344a97e5970f8f8efe76fd33b79ab861c51)
Currently the walls of the main structure are finished, with only two sections of roof left to cover:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9576%2FIMG_9576.jpg&hash=645c6989b81e0f24d5c78948e530820e8061bdc9)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9575c%2FIMG_9575c.jpg&hash=225927172df8f5ae93e04825a3792358b9e248c3)
Here are a couple closer shots:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9581%2FIMG_9581.jpg&hash=730f36897f652fa7da9d7164dfa6614612c79193)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9583%2FIMG_9583.jpg&hash=0a538deee238453d35c7e57e2586db7b9a3e0680)
One small issue with this adhesive is that it air dries, and since the brass and the PVC substructure are both non-porous, the stuff in the middle of each panel remains soft for several days. Until it becomes firm, the structure must be handled carefully to avoid crushing the corrugated ridges.
The window frames have only been put into place to give an idea of how it'll look. They aren't painted or glazed yet and won't be permanently installed until after the structure has been painted.
That's all for now, enjoy!
.
Ray Beautiful scene. And once a again very nice work.
Jerry
Ray,
Don't take this the wrong way but that don't look like corrugated steel to me.....
It looks like, well what it is - brass.
-Marty :-\
It hasn't been painted yet, Marty.
I thought it would just weather and turn brown. Or maybe oxidize it with a chemical wash. But paint? -- Russ
I'll be using Rustoleum's "Cold Galvanizing Compound", a spray paint that is basically zinc powder in clear acrylic. Gives things a very realistic galvanized metal look.
I'll be interested in the photos you post of the painted model. -- Russ
No worries Ray!
You've never let us down before!
mj
After applying all the corrugated metal and giving it at least a couple days or more for the adhesive to dry, I washed it off to remove oily fingerprints, etc. As before, I sprayed it with oven cleaner, then rinsed it.
When it was dry I primed it with Rustoleum's "self-etching" primer. Then I gave it two coats of Rustoleum's "Cold Galvanizing Compound". Here's how it looks so far:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9588c%2FIMG_9588c.jpg&hash=d4396f8b9f85a5a103469064a33614a437ff22ea)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9591%2FIMG_9591.jpg&hash=09294ff3b6933985742eb23b8beab45050d9fe76)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9593c%2FIMG_9593c.jpg&hash=d2547e484280532f8d6d12bc4cb1dc47197101f6)
Still to come: Weathering the structure, adding exterior details, painting and installing the windows, etc. I also haven't built the sorting house yet, which goes on top of the ore bin.
.
Looks brand new!
Just curios; why did you do all that oven cleaner work to just cover it up?
Or am I missing something as usual?....
Mj
I am assuming the oven cleaner acts as an etch for the metal and cleans it ready for paint? Pretty nasty stuff to be using on a model!
Ian is correct, the oven cleaner not only removes any grease (such as fingerprints), it also etches the brass slightly. The corrugated stuff flexes a lot due to temperature changes. On a previous structure had some problems with the paint flaking off the brass after while, so I wanted to take every measure possible to ensure a good bond.
So far so good.
Looks good to me.
Jerry
If you had trouble with paint before, why didn't you try a different coloring method (like chemical oxidation or etching)? Just curious about your reasoning. -- Russ
Russ, I don't know of any other method to make brass look like zinc (galvanized metal), other than painting it. The problems I've had on a previous building were not what I would consider insurmountable. I've also had others that were fine.
So I think I just needed to make sure I got a really good paint bond, first by thoroughly cleaning it to remove fingerprints, and second by etching to give the brass a bit of "tooth", and third by using a good primer.
Time for another update...
I've started putting together the sorting house on top of the ore bin. This small structure is the most complex part of the entire mill.
It will have Gn15" tracks entering it on two different levels, from two different directions, as well as one track exiting the building to a trestle for dumping waste rock. Part of the internal structure -- the upper tram dump and ore chute -- will extend above the peak of the roof. And the large tram openings, together with a pair of windows, make the interior fairly visible, so I have to model a lot of the interior details.
I wanted to apply the corrugated siding to a PVC substrate, as on the larger part of the mill. But I wanted to make it look like a wood-framed building. So I built the walls out of thinner, 3mm PVC and then added an interior framework made of styrene strips. When finished, the interior walls will be painted the same color as the corrugated metal siding, with "aged wood" color on the frame.
This shot shows the beginning of the construction. The four walls are assembled and a few of the interior frame pieces have been installed. You can see where the lower level tram enters the building on the right, and exits on the left. The small, triangular platform at the peak is where the upper level tram will come to dump its ore:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9673c%2FIMG_9673c.jpg&hash=936be1cd462e90a127dfaa2b2c298c1d1282b470)
The next three shots show the current stage of construction. The upper level ore dump and chute have been built and temporarily installed, along with the necessary support timbers. Most of the frame has been applied to the interior of the walls, however there are some pieces still missing:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9683c%2FIMG_9683c.jpg&hash=6f3ef4dbb573c355d73fd125ab340727e21947d7)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9682c%2FIMG_9682c.jpg&hash=233656acd83548f4040c3e2e6dff282af89ed8f9)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9688c%2FIMG_9688c.jpg&hash=814850bb4a6b2b83239cb2f93ca869d6d73d0ca8)
And just for fun, here are some pics I shot recently while running a train:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Photos_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9651%2FIMG_9651.jpg&hash=4a1eb774a286f264d39203729b44e30bf4bbea42)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Photos_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9653%2FIMG_9653.jpg&hash=4d0094abbf4174dda36f89256f17c97672920b58)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Photos_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9667c%2FIMG_9667c.jpg&hash=a84835b67751bbc0a2dd0b65e8f4ab75d13d98aa)
.
Looks great Ray. Love the train going through there.
Jerry
This part of the layout reminds me of one I saw from the 1950s by an extremely talented Disney artist (Paul Detlefsen?). His layout and everything on it including locomotives, was completely scratchbuilt. He used wood for almost every model including locos. Anyway, that puts you in some pretty good company. -- Russ
Your layout reminds me of some of the buntbahn stuff -
http://www.buntbahn.de/modellbau/viewtopic.php?t=11637
http://www.buntbahn.de/modellbau/viewtopic.php?t=8493&start=280
http://www.buntbahn.de/modellbau/viewtopic.php?t=9965
Thanks guys!
Quote from: artizen on March 21, 2014, 02:23:49 PM
Your layout reminds me of some of the buntbahn stuff -
http://www.buntbahn.de/modellbau/viewtopic.php?t=11637
The tunnel portal in that first link is amazing!
Time for another progress report...
I finished installing the framing on the interior walls. (The diagonal braces will be added later, after it's painted.) The ore chute is removable to facilitate painting:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9725c%2FIMG_9725c.jpg&hash=b62f13e80e784e0023935a90d23bb58891a5a566)
Then I painted the interior. The timbers and framework are painted to look like aged "indoor" wood. The interior wall was painted a zinc-like gray, to simulate the appearance of the galvanized metal that will be applied to the exterior. The ore chute was painted separately, then glued in place:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9728%2FIMG_9728.jpg&hash=7645beb64722d15e07458afcf9270026e2f4e0a6)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9730%2FIMG_9730.jpg&hash=e60e62a4fa2673c73179e9a61edeff4276085118)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9731%2FIMG_9731.jpg&hash=dd24486a2ea2ae7e589cc10c7b10f682986da11e)
I also started building the roof, which is fairly complex. This is due to the ore chute for the upper level tram:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9705c%2FIMG_9705c.jpg&hash=68435b663171b758a90e514c7ccb819b023dad7c)
The interior of the roof is braced with 6mm thick sheets of Sintra PVC glued flat to the underside, to prevent sagging or warping in the sun. There are also crude rafters made of the same material. More bracing will be added later:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9721c%2FIMG_9721c.jpg&hash=0324cb956b18c88b737376b3d5c395e32c8ec1da)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9749%2FIMG_9749.jpg&hash=b8c8254a9b2228edad1f5f98454535dc97a73b48)
Here are a couple shots of the interior. I've added some planking to create a "floor" and painted it to match the timbers and wall frames. I still have to install the tracks for the lower level tram, which will run through the building. The roof has not yet been finished nor painted:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9759%2FIMG_9759.jpg&hash=bf5ec6d91f395576d4aef15e9445b740a9f84fa9)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9753%2FIMG_9753.jpg&hash=82c8ff6fa7b28dfd7acf9522780a3384c0d11758)
That's all for now, more later.
.
WOW!
Great interior shots!
All those angles must have took a lot of math! :o
-Mj
Wonderful coloring on the 'wood' surfaces Ray.
Ray,
your "fake" wood is just amazing! You have no idea how often I go back to the last Modelers Annual and stare at your article about painting the styrene on the miners shacks!
I can't wait to see the outside wood!
Christian
Most satisfactory. -- Russ
Thanks guys! I really didn't put too much effort into painting the interior wood. It was enough trouble just having to paint it "inside-out", plus most of it wouldn't show. All I did was put on a base coat of light, grayish brown using latex paint. Then added some darker accents, mostly dry-brushed.
Woody, there was no math involved with that roof, nor the ore chute. I just took it slowly, adding bits in what seemed a logical manner, and measuring and cutting each to fit.
Nice! Looking forward to progress reports.
I think some critters are going to enjoy that interior detailing too!
Time for another update on this project...
I glued the corrugated metal to the sorting house, starting with the roof:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9974%2FIMG_9974.jpg&hash=97446fe1d827aaa71ebd449e4e8251e2aad1e124)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9977%2FIMG_9977.jpg&hash=b6d646794f297300743956b89d1b9d6ce52be019)
Then I did the walls:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0033c%2FIMG_0033c.jpg&hash=4d4fc96bba16f246b69b54e7cdefffe0e30edf1c)
I painted the roof, including the interior. The interior of the roof will only be minimally visible, and in shadow, so it got a really sloppy, crude paint job -- something with just enough variegation to give the impression of old wood:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0149c%2FIMG_0149c.jpg&hash=e2fe3916562b06dcd24cb3354d2e853eb6d89d6b)
The exterior was painted, and the roof received some rusty streaks. I still need to do a bit more weathering of the roof, and haven't yet weathered the sides:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0143%2FIMG_0143.jpg&hash=166968ce12a83e8f29bbddfd2528f323312e2ea4)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0155c%2FIMG_0155c.jpg&hash=6d8703fcc144ae9d0ab31c6a461be8569c9fd073)
Meanwhile, the main part of the mill has been sitting outside on the layout for a while. As a result, I found that the two sloped sections of roof were not sufficiently braced, and warped in the hot sun. Straightening them out without damaging the corrugated metal was a little tricky. I had to heat the underside with a torch to soften the PVC slightly, then lay it fly with a couple bricks on it. Once that was done I added some heavy bracing, and then painted the underside of each roof:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0146c%2FIMG_0146c.jpg&hash=35ea9be16e8ee412aa7f673eed3493c62110ac89)
Then I weathered them with some subtle streaks and a few rusty spots:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0144c%2FIMG_0144c.jpg&hash=108f26f0ea49027153f01196b32eef6e349055a7)
I also weathered the peaked roof on the lowest level of the mill:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0141c%2FIMG_0141c.jpg&hash=4b0eeb0f5dcdca4eb132c754e167c92c18abedc8)
Now I'm working on the doors and windows, which are from Grandt Line. Since they need to look old and heavily weathered, I scribed some wood grain and a few small cracks into them. Then they were given a light coat of white primer. Next I painted them with a light, grayish brown latex house paint, thinned with water:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0158c%2FIMG_0158c.jpg&hash=d0b47f2d8b96b95c5112c8016d05b82b49d84d51)
This was followed with a few very thin washes of medium brown and dark brown craft acrylics:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0165c%2FIMG_0165c.jpg&hash=7391bdb4601bd0f45f828f16ea6cd59dee4277e0)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0160c%2FIMG_0160c.jpg&hash=98b1b7f6fc266d3919943396ac1a6c4b14cd6e8e)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0161c%2FIMG_0161c.jpg&hash=194ea74c72188f29a348a53b97d08ec6dff16960)
The final step was to give them traces of old, peeled paint. This effect was achieved by coating each piece with Testor's enamel thinner. While this was still wet, I lightly brushed on some green, craft acrylic:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0166c%2FIMG_0166c.jpg&hash=9e1ac82d48f01d64a17c800d8f96fde84497b61d)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0171c%2FIMG_0171c.jpg&hash=c5ec02c95d3a910bf20093ecfd61296074c9a0f0)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0172c%2FIMG_0172c.jpg&hash=260bdf307add87b38a4dacc9510f80e00860c297)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0173c%2FIMG_0173c.jpg&hash=332cde2642f95b7b027632c8624de0a70d53795b)
Next will be the "fun" part -- cutting glass to fit all the windows.
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You have been busy, always enjoy your updates.
Very effective and realistic wood finish on those windows, all the work you must have put to add grain, splits etc has certainly paid off and the final colour looks spot to on to me
The whole will be greater than the sum of its parts. I predict a most adequate model. -- Russ
I'll echo what has already been said about the look you achieved, very nice. Do you need to seal this work now to protect it?
Thanks!
Chester, I give it a coat of Krylon UV resistant matte clear to protect it from the sun.
BTW, something I forgot to mention... some kind soul had an order of corrugated metal sent to me, anonymously, from Rainbow Ridge. However, by that time I'd already sheathed everything except the sorting house, so I decided to stick with the handmade stuff and save the Rainbow Ridge stuff for another structure.
More progress...
I decided that a sign at the top of the mill would look great. Such signs, displaying the company name, were common. So I began by masking the the background. Then I stippled on a couple different shades of dark gray, to represent faded, peeled black paint:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0177c%2FIMG_0177c.jpg&hash=00d6c85ae31cb15a239f2bad98a682f3de42f5ee)
I designed the sign on the computer and printed it out on self-adhesive vinyl. The font I used is only to give me the general dimensions. As I cut out the letters, I modified them slightly -- squaring the serifs, eliminating that pointy thing in the middle, etc:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0180cc%2FIMG_0180cc.jpg&hash=90483681fe6594f693b3c37d7e62cd3e7da6a9e9)
The vinyl was then positioned on the model. Getting it off the backing intact was a bit tricky. Some small bits had to be placed separately. Also you'll notice that I've moved the A and L closer to the R in the word "mineral". I should have done that on the computer, before printing it out, but got lazy:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0185cc%2FIMG_0185cc.jpg&hash=4f4e257dd384b400fe74bcb4914f865f08b0e954)
Using the vinyl as a stencil, I stippled the lettering with a "dirty" mix of white paint. The vinyl couldn't be pressed down into the grooves of the corrugated metal, so there is a lot of touching up that needs to be done:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0187cc%2FIMG_0187cc.jpg&hash=cd9e3a3d9837876d951261be6f2d4cc48ef12cc4)
The letters were touched up by hand with a small brush. I also did some work on the background, reducing the number of "peeled" spots. Then the wall was weathered with craft acrylics and even a bit of RustAll:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0193cc%2FIMG_0193cc.jpg&hash=1f7f850f2c01d38c51f9b8e5b0688d17ee83c439)
I installed the windows in the sorting house temporarily and shot some pics of it in place on the mill. I still haven't glazed the windows yet:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0203c%2FIMG_0203c.jpg&hash=290f1dc41761815af832d079e8f9e55b20ae5aa3)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0216%2FIMG_0216.jpg&hash=68a866cbe2a3c0aa4dce113adcef76e2dcb32a1b)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0208c%2FIMG_0208c.jpg&hash=6573ecbeab15f8005d3eef9aaf552217c5849f80)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0205%2FIMG_0205.jpg&hash=07e3bbb9640a24468977ec6428265d9ccd432ec6)
That's it for now. Enjoy!
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Great idea!
That looks killer dude!
Mj
I'm doing some work on the doors of the mill. There are two. This is the rear door, which will be located near the top of the street next to the ore bin. For this door I wanted to do something to make it interesting, so I decided to have a sheet of plywood nailed up over the upper panels of the door.
The door itself a Grandt Line part, which was given some subtle wood grain prior to painting. The doorknob was made by heating one end of a thin styrene rod. This causes it to form a nice rounded knob.
I found a good photo of old plywood online, reduced it to fit and printed it on self-adhesive vinyl. This was applied to .010" styrene, which was then glued to the door. I carefully pressed some texture into it, but only in a few spots as I was worried about possibly damaging the print. The sign was printed separately and applied directly to the "plywood". I weathered it by hand using craft acrylics. I think I went overboard on the sign but it won't be seen very much anyway.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0219c%2FIMG_0219c.jpg&hash=87214174d878f8634251b815e1a94efcb139d8ff)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0225c%2FIMG_0225c.jpg&hash=cf66b20c1d14e76f4614da958e03ea0977d9e90a)
That's all for now...
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The self adhesive vinyl print is a clever idea. -- Russ
Wonderful work. Here's hoping that the vinyl stands up to outside use!
I've used the vinyl for a lot of signs on the layout. Some have had several years of exposure now and still look good.
That looks great but the old sign on the newer door looks out of place.
May be move the sign next to the door and put a newer "closed" sign on the door?
All in all a very interesting door!
Mj
I enjoy every step. Both idea and implementation are very well done. But I'm completely with Marty. The sign is somewhat overdone. Why not use a "new" sign?
Volker
Time to wrap this one up, at least for a while...
First off, I changed the sign on the rear door of the mill. The original sign was ok but looked older than the plywood it was mounted on. As you can see in this photo, I also weathered the corrugated metal. And I finished the ore bin, adding tie rods, nut/bolt/washer details, and final paint:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0305c%2FIMG_0305c.jpg&hash=fd2cedc17a01830915d0b7a54b2f79bab53a39dc)
I also finished and installed the windows, and the main door. Like the rear door, this was a Grandt Line casting with added wood grain and cracks. I still have to build some steps up to the door:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0295%2FIMG_0295.jpg&hash=d482ad5625f0192b2dfaf31987148e13f567c8f0)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0283c%2FIMG_0283c.jpg&hash=eb9f107650cbd18c733c3a66229e46eb6849e2f8)
The loading dock door was scratch built from a sheet of 4mm Sintra PVC with scribed planks and wood grain. Styrene strips were used for the trim. This is supposed to represent an internal, sliding door, so I added some horizontal scraps across the face of the door. The sign was hand painted:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0242c%2FIMG_0242c.jpg&hash=119d6ceeae751f930aa34bab113cca6f994f705f)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0248c%2FIMG_0248c.jpg&hash=bb1cdd6afee5b56e7d5055b551aba48d055759cd)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0288c%2FIMG_0288c.jpg&hash=ba62f396ba19cf7c9dee5b3816589311e9cd4d4e)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Photos_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0330%2FIMG_0330.jpg&hash=b59c6043538e99efb1e632ceef0805d80d898295)
Here are a couple shots of the mill with all the doors and windows installed:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FIMG_0278c.jpg&hash=2f1910dda32cd624dd467d2592ab1e30644e430b)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0275%2FIMG_0275.jpg&hash=32f9e17542a2cab27264245ecb4b9c2805ff6daa)
Here are some shots of the ore bin and sorting house showing the completed ore bin. It was painted with several shades of brown, starting with a golden brown, then a medium brown, followed by a darker, redder brown. Then I added some dark, almost black streaks, and finished with some light gold streaks. As mentioned above I also added tie rods and nut/bolt/washer details. Some of these are made from nails and actually help hold the bin together:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0276c%2FIMG_0276c.jpg&hash=3a8e0856822259a62265c46bbe39a36f708131c7)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0270%2FIMG_0270.jpg&hash=2945f2a5db4b59a7ea185d71de802b59f142dcff)
To prevent rainwater accumulating in the upper level ore chute, I added a brass tube for drainage:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0272%2FIMG_0272.jpg&hash=62aa9cef39167ba1fe6f73d2bb4c35097487d81e)
For now, I'm calling it complete. Eventually though, I will add some lights, as well as the tram tracks inside the sorting house, and the tram bridges leading to the ore bin/sorting house.
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All of this is Very effective. The doors are really nice-the plywood looks perfect. Just seems too nice to put outside!
That's what I keep saying but Ray never listens .... -- Russ
Well, I had a tiny bit of modeling time this week and was able to squeeze in a little project related to the mill -- I built and installed the 15" track extending from the mine adit (entrance) above the mill.
I started with a length of Peco Code 100, On30 flex track. I cut off all but a few of the cross ties. The remaining ties were used to hold the rails in gauge while I added new, larger ties. I made new ties from 1/4" strips of 6mm Sintra PVC board. I scribed simulated wood grain into the ties by scraping them lengthwise with a razor saw.
The ties were sprayed with white primer, then painted with a light, brownish-gray latex paint (Behr's "Shitake" color). When this dried, I went over the ties with a thinned mix of dark brown and black. Then I dry-brushed a little more of the base color over the center of the ties, where they would be worn by the feet of miners pushing ore cars. I finished off the ties by spraying them with Krylon UV-resistant matte clear.
I used Shinohara HO rail spikes to spike the rails to the ties. Unfortunately these are slightly longer than the thickness of the ties, and the track was going to be mounted on a concrete surface. So I had to use wire cutters to nip about 3/16" off the tip of each spike before driving it into the tie.
Here's a shot of the entire 30" length of track, with one end curved to fit the interior of the mine:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0344c%2FIMG_0344c.jpg&hash=d27d6dd08929b79e651c26c8346bbed0df690812)
A close up of the track in position. The ground outside the mine is made of mortar, grit and small rocks. When I made it, I used a narrow board to create a level path for the track:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0348%2FIMG_0348.jpg&hash=ee5d36433055b6dbbd822321435cf428bd843a76)
I used the same mix of mortar, grit and dirt , with a bit of concrete pigment, to build up the ground around the track. Later I will use some stains to add more color to this "soil" and make it look more like typical mine tailings:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0352%2FIMG_0352.jpg&hash=229c3a4b887ffebe12c4164772bdbc6470ea34f1)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0353%2FIMG_0353.jpg&hash=3894be58471689b447b459237eb94a8d2ffd0236)
Now I just have to build a bridge to connect the tracks to the top of the mill:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0355%2FIMG_0355.jpg&hash=a3e2933d91e5f28285574c2befce8754147463f1)
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Hi Ray,
I'm watching your progress with continuously growing amazement. Your work on the artificial wood is simply stunning. It's interesting, that the coloring looks more coarse in the distance shots than in the close ups.
Always a pleasure to stop by.
Volker
A little more progress...
First, I used some chemicals to stain the concrete "soil" outside the mine, making it look more like mine tailings. Mostly I used ferric chloride, the stuff used to etch copper circuit boards. I wet the area with water, then used an eye dropper to very carefully dribble small quantities of the etchant here and there. I quickly used a paint brush and a water to thin it and spread it around. I also used some Rust-All to add some reddish tones. Then the whole area was liberally rinsed with water.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0358%2FIMG_0358.jpg&hash=857b156777782606130359771150c1061f3f9277)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0360%2FIMG_0360.jpg&hash=28456155b905fde99c24697a6bd585e64862acaa)
Next, I started work on a trestle to carry the tracks from the mine to the mill. The trestle at the Nivloc Mine in Nevada was my primary source of inspiration for this. I first built a support for the mine end of the trestle that will go to the mill. It's made of styrene, scribed and painted to look like old wood. Nut/bolt/washer castings from Ozark Miniatures appear to secure it to the stone wall. In reality, I glued it with Dynaflex 360.
The trestle stringers are also made of styrene, while the ties were cut from strips of 6mm thick Sintra PVC. The ties were glued to the stringers and then the whole assembly was primed with white primer, followed by a base coat of light, warm gray latex paint:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0371%2FIMG_0371.jpg&hash=d42ff940bddaaaa8e7826c2c403d38f4afe59260)
I finished painting the ties and stringers, using various shades of brown and black. These were thinned just enough so that they would be a bit translucent when brushed on. Once this was done, I spiked down the rails. The walkway planks and guard timbers were painted individually, then glued to the ties.
I still have to touch up some of the paint, and also need to add a lot of nut/bolt/washer castings plus the handrails. But here's how it looks so far:
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I also need to build a bent to support the middle of the trestle.
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That scene displays more excellence in color, texture, and detail than any viewer of an outdoor layout has a right to expect. -- Russ
Based on my experience, your ferric chloride coloring will outlast anything else on your layout!
That coloring is perfect. What a great job your doing. And outside no less.
Jerry
All my modeling came to a screeching halt a couple weeks ago when Cris ended up in the hospital for 9 days following complications from a colonoscopy. She's home and doing much better now, though she still likely needs surgery for another issue. Anyway, I've finally finished up the trestle from the mine to the top of the mill.
I installed Grandt Line nut/bolt/washers, and touched up the paint as needed. I also painted some "nails" onto the planks:
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I built a bent to support the middle of the trestle. Like the stringers, the bent is made of styrene, textured and painted to look like weathered wood. The NBWs are from Ozark Miniatures:
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I had planned to make cast concrete footing for the trestle bent. However, I decided instead to just cement in some additional rock under it, then build up the ground around it using tinted mortar:
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Here are some shots of the finished trestle. I may still add some braces at a 45 degree angle, between the bent and the stringers:
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And just for fun, here are some pics I shot this evening:
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Enjoy!
Satisfactory. -- Russ
He probably hasn't painted it yet. I would probably spray it silver and then weather dirty but little rust. Mines I have explored are usually dirty in the color of the ore they are mining. New corrugated like this would be is shiny and it takes many years to rust.
This is so cool. The retaining walls where the mine tracks lead to the bin is spot on. I like the ferric acid idea and it looks great. Did you find out to use that from someone else, or did you just catch a wild hair and apply and hope something good would happen?
I wish I could have a layout in my backyard, but the winters are pretty rough over here. That, or my dog would eat it.
Ray, I hope your wife is on the mend and feeling better. Are you cutting the styrene sizes you need from larger sheets, or?
Russ, if you have spilled ferric chloride etchant, you will know of its remarkable coloring and permanence.
Max, the mill is intended to represent an older structure that is still in use -- old enough to no longer be shiny, and have some areas of rust beginning to show through the galvanizing. I used photos of structures at the Tonopah Historic Mining Park as my primary reference, such as this one:
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Russ, as Chuck mentioned, I've seen how small drops of the etchant stains concrete such as the floor of my garage. I tried it awhile back to add rust streaks to some concrete bridge piers (a bit too much!) so it was a short leap from that to staining the mine dump.
Chuck, thanks. For this trestle, I used some of the large size strips that are available from Evergreen. For instance the stringers were made by gluing a .250" x .500" strip to a .125" x .500" strip. These large sizes come in 24" lengths.
That would make a neat model! Oh wait, it's being done!