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)