Large Scale Central

Shortline OLD Water Tank/ 2014 LSC Challenge Build Log

Modeling
#1

I have desided to enter the door challenge, I have been contiplating on a water tank, since most of my GRR is operated on a shortline shoestring budget. So most of my structures are to resemble OLD, BROKEN DOWN, WEATHERED. I draw everything in sketchup, this gives me the look and design I am after.
Since I cut alot of my building parts in a laser machine, I need the parts in CAD so I can cut in the laser.
I have chosen to build this structure out of acrylic instead of steel, My structures set outside ALL the time, so I really focus on designing my structures to withstand the large difference in our SW Missouri elements.
My structures corners all use a type of box joint construction, I fine tune the fit to a perfect fit, not real tight, but tight enough to hold together without clamping, with just enough room for glue for good bonding.

Walls all seperated ready to go into the program that operates the laser machine

The door has been ran through the bandsaw to make thinner

#2

That is a cool structure. What’s the frame & pully system for on the side?

Terry

#3

Great looking structure Dennis, good luck with its building.

#4

Terry
That is the method for pulling the well pipe for repairs
And it looks cool

#5

That is a interesting water tower. I’m looking forward to your build log.

#6

This piece is being prepared for the lap siding, this is industrial 2 sided tape, it will hold the wood siding in place so the Lexel glue will hold it permanently.

#7

The Lexel glue is placed and ready for the lapsiding panel

#8

THE DOOR heavy wooden door jambs extremely textured.
I will apply magic sculpt to represent the stone.

#9

VERY NICE!!!

#10

#11

#12

Floor joist on 12" centers and the redwood 2" floor cut at 45 degree.
This view is the front door, and rotten window.
Dennis

#13

Very nice Dennis …

do you mind telling me how you cut the siding ?

#14

Thank you, Dennis, for posting about these newfangled modelling techniques, tools, and materials. I will be watching in wonder and with great interest!

#15

Cool… I really like that wavy siding!

#16

Dennis…Don’t tell them how you did the siding till after the Build Challenge "if you wish to tell them at all. "

#17

Sorry David, It is not a secret, besides if I wait I will probably forget and that would be rude, and I
don’t want that. So I used the CNC router at work, I adjust the router at an angle and set to move
over every .350, I draw the lines with the curves, and the router follows the lines. The lines are to represent slabwood siding.
Some people say if I had access to that equipment, I could do that type of
modeling. The truth is the equipment is a large boat anchor if you don’t have the ability to design
and implement the way to do it. CNC equipment does not have the ability to do anything, except for
what the computer tells it to do. Figuring it out and then drawing up what you want it to do can
be very challenging. Many people can run cnc equipment and do a very good job, only few people can
design products. The Laser machine I bought years ago was bought by a lady that really liked all the neat things a laser can do. And was in shock when she found out all the work involved in getting the machine to do something productive. So when you hire someone to run something on a CNC equipment the drawing time ends up being the largest expence, most of the time. So if you want someone to run you something, I challenge you to try to design and draw up in CAD what you want machined, it is easier to find someone to machine out your parts after you have drawn them up, as to tell someone what you want, and get them to design/draw it up.
Dennis

#18

Well I guessed close…I was thinking free handed with a router

It’s a very cool and unique look!

#19

I gotta get me one of those, and apparently a guy to run it!

nice work.
Terry

#20

That is really neat. A glimpse of the future of model making perhaps?

Tom