Large Scale Central

PA bank barn

Modeling
#1

I’ve started building a Pennsylvania bank barn typical of the barns built in my area by the German immigrants in the 18th and 19th Centuries. They were constructed with access to two levels, usually with a built-up bank or cut into a slope facing north for protection from the harsh winter winds. The main door was for access to the upper level which contained hay storage, a threshing floor, a tack room and a grainery. The lower level facing south, was for animal stalls with cross ventilation openings built into the stone foundation walls. Many barns would have a cupola on the roof for ventilation and access for maintaining the roof. The distinguishing cantilevered forebay was to provide cover for the stall doors and ventilate the grainery above.

I may model it as if it is under construction to be able to view the detail framing. My joinery is with CA glue not all the extravagant mortise tenon and pegs. I’ll just need to build some ladders, scaffolding and find a few workmen to complete the effect.

#2

A pin nailer would be good to do that with.

#3

What? No hand hewn Black Walnut beams or American Chestnut siding? No hand cut sandstone blocks? For shame! (BTW, That’s why so many of them have been torn down and replaced with tin shacks – so pretentious people can have ‘rustic’ trim in their game rooms and to line their driveways leading to their half million dollar ‘barn’ of a house built on their quarter acre postage stamp of land… which used to be part of a perfectly good cornfield…)

#4

Hire a few Amish…they’ll get it done in no time…:wink:

#5

The little Amish guys work slowly, but are making progress.

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/lastmanout/_forumfiles/barn31.jpg)

#6

They might be slow, but they do mighty fine work…

:slight_smile:

#7

Coming along nicely.
Pretty sly, modeling it under construction.
Saves the project manager a lot of work :wink:
Ralph

#8

Here are pictures of a barn I am building, in my back yard.

http://www.lscdata.com/users/lastmanout/_forumfiles/IMG_0762%20(Medium).JPG

http://www.lscdata.com/users/lastmanout/_forumfiles/IMG_0766%20(Medium).JPG

#9

it growed… whatcha been feedin it, lol

#10
Mik said:
it growed... whatcha been feedin it, lol
:lol: :lol: :lol: Ralph
#11

I like the use of the “pre-weathered” timber being used by David. It saves a lot of work. :lol:

#12

Well two family members called me today and asked if I was having the local Amish build it or if it was a kit I bought to put up in my back yard. Must have been fairly convincing photographs. hi-hi

#13

We are constantly impressed with the looks of these barns as we travel through Pennsylvania. Watching your progress with great interest.

#14
Ric Golding said:
We are constantly impressed with the looks of these barns as we travel through Pennsylvania. Watching your progress with great interest.
Really Ric? What are you after?? I guess we locals take them for granite.
#15
David Russell said:
Really Ric? What are you after?? I guess we locals take them for granite.
I thought they were made of wood :D The houses were made of Granite !

Sorry David :smiley: :smiley:

#16
Jon Radder said:
David Russell said:
Really Ric? What are you after?? I guess we locals take them for granite.
I thought they were made of wood :D The houses were made of Granite !

Sorry David :smiley: :smiley:


No, Ric was half right.

http://www.lscdata.com/users/lastmanout/_forumfiles/stonebarn%20(Medium).jpg

#17

David Russell said:

Ric Golding said:
We are constantly impressed with the looks of these barns as we travel through Pennsylvania. Watching your progress with great interest.

Really Ric? What are you after?? I guess we locals take them for granite.

We live far enough south that large barns are a little uncommon on today’s farms, in our area. Poll barns have replaced the big stone and wood mansions for animals. We go through the northeast about 3 times a year and one of the enjoyments, especially in Pennsylvania and Upstate New York, are the well cared for farms and monsterous animal palaces. There are some real fine examples along the Pennsylvania Turnpike. This is what inspired Jan’s Barn that was entered in the ECLSTS Modeling Contest.

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/rgolding/090401%20J%20016.jpg)

#18

“Animal Palace”? Hardly. The actual byre is rather small, cramped and low roofed by today’s standards. The upper structure you marvel at was needed for 1. LOOSE hay and straw storage, in the 1800’s the hay press wasn’t in common use. 2. Grainery – you didn’t run down to Agway, you housed all the corn, wheat, oats, etc that you needed to feed the animals AND your family for the ENTIRE year, plus next year’s seed. 3. Machinery storage, wooden machinery was expensive to repair and susceptible to rot if left outside. 4. More storage for staple foods, such as pumpkins and squash.

#19

My compliments to Jan and her barn. I actually remember that barn at ECLSTS and it inspired me to build the one I’ve started. Tewll her thanks for me.

Dave

#20

David,

Sunday Morning here and Jan and I are talking of this subject on the Forum as she is preparing breakfast. Your compliment made a big hit with her. She really doesn’t think she does much as she kit-bashes or works with Jigstone. She really wanted to build one with the over hang, but then followed the foundation of the building when she started. I think we need to get another barn for more experimentation. :wink:

The lady is far more talented than she realizes. Trust me, I tell her all the time. I mean, come on, she puts up with me. Never have figured that out.