Being a bit of a masochist adding to the list late in the game. I understand it week before an open house I started making changes additions. Sometimes it’s hard to say enough!!
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At the rate I build I probably shouldn’t add additional projects to the list.
But hey, I’ve got a goal now and I’m bound and determined to get some stuff done. I’m trying really hard to do something each day and not be lazy.
Now that I finished the cluster of 3 buildings next to T-D Feeds, I’ve turned my attention back to the feed mill with the goal of finishing up the major portions of the build by the end of the school year (June). Hopefully that gives me enough time but also pushes me to keep going forward.
When I started this building almost 17 years ago my plan was to build it from solely 1/8" styrene. But I’ve learned a few things between them and now. The frame for this will now be PVC lumber. The first floor is 1x8 with PVC ceiling tiles on top for a nice even 18’ ground to roof level.
I’ve been mocking up in foamcore the other areas of the building as well to make sure the measurements all fit.
I carried everything out to the layout during a nice day and showed off to my wife what this beast of a building will look like hopefully soon.
I then started to flesh out some of the sub assemblies, including the 2nd floor corner, and the unloading shed. I’m not sure if I’ll permanently attach both pieces to the substructure once it’s on the layout or just use the weight of them to hold them in place.
This is the corner of the mill hidden by another substructure, but was revealed during demolition. I hadn’t ever seen this view before I found these photos.
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I got some free time this past weekend finally and motivation (my Dad’s health is declining rapidly and it’s hard to have creative energy when I’m busy with that stuff) and started building more of the feed mill structure. Two more substructures to make but the overall height is looking pretty good in proportion to the photos. The tallest leg ended up being about 80’ from the main first floor or about 100’ from ground. That’s 44" high, right around where I estimated many years ago. The layout is 45-47" high so the entire thing will reach 8’ into the sky. Definitely will dominate the scene even if someone who is 6’+ comes over.
I’ve got 2 more substructures to make. One is fairly easy and the other one might take a bit more imagineering. Then it’s time to buckle down and start cutting up cans and annealing them.
The feed mill store area is peaking out on the background.
That will be next after I finish this main structure area.
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Is this the PVC lumber everyone is talking about?
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This process was some arguable the most boring thing we ever undertook. It did save money, but the cut, anneal, cut, crimp process was double-plus-un-fun! In your hands, though, it will make your buildings shine…or look rusty…or maybe mixed!
Eric
I’m found using a utility knife to slice the tops and bottoms off works pretty well. Just as fast as trying to run them through the band saw.
Then some old scissors slice it into a flat sheet.
I’ve found some corrugated plastic panels but I can’t afford for purchase as many sheets as I’ll need when drink cans are easily accessible (and in some cases very enjoyable to consume)
Been a while since I frequently posted here on LSC. I’ve been kinda quiet for a couple of reasons.
First reason is the last year and half has been hard on me, helping my Mom take care of my Dad, who passed away April 22nd. Sorrowful joy is what I’ve been calling it. My faith and my Dad faith have certainly been steadfast this past year and half.
Anyways, I’ve been doing a bunch of random things as I have time. I’ve been experimenting with some roadway building, with 1.5" foam covered by a concrete patch repair stuff. It looks pretty good on the small test sections, but I’ll need to “pour” a much larger section and get everything leveled with regular concrete first. And printing off some labels…
Secondly, I’ve been plugging away on my massive feed mill and hope to have it mostly, if not all the way done by the end of June.
Also cut in another industry and spur line: Building Specialities a contractor for home builders. Mostly drywall and lumber.
And finishing building a fire pit and seating area…
And finally working on building a 1/25th kit of a 1991 Mazda Miata in memory of my Dad who owned one.
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Craig,
My sincerest condolences. I am happy to hear that Faith has helped ease the sorrow.
Aloha,
Eric
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Trying not to get into the religion or politics discussion here. 
But yes it has eased the pain so much. While it was hard to see the struggle of this life especially his final few weeks, the suffering is no more and lots of good things have happened already because of the struggles.
Dad had a red 1991 Mazda Miata when I was a kid so I’ll be adding one soon to the layout. I don’t have a picture now but I’m working on the red paint job.
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All I know about your dad is what you and Devon have said and it was all good , the kind of man that a lot of us strive to be ( but fall short ) . You were blessed to have him guiding you and I am sure he will continue to guide you! Prayers to all
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I have some guys coming over today to check out the layout and either give the thumbs up or thumbs down on my layout being included in the 2027 NMRA convention tour.
So figured it would be a good idea to put as much outside as I can. A lot still to accomplish it once everything is on the layout it actually starts to look like a railroad!
I might have to bump the front edge of the layout out 6" or so to get more of Cleveland St. Right is the building plus sidewalk seem to take more than I measured.
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Isn’t that the way it always works 
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