I'm a little late to the party; nevertheless, I have decided to participate by constructing a feed mill. I have a couple of photos I plan to use as inspiration.
I've spent time working on plans for the mill. Meanwhile, because it will be rail served, I need a grain hopper. I have several old McKean kits I picked up a year ago that were labeled "grain" hopper and I have decals for a New York Central covered hopper.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-250126204256-568711280.jpeg)
It's a pretty standard kit, but some problems presented themselves so I will highlight my solutions as I go along.
Mike
First of all, despite the fact that the instructions mention a weight, none came with the kit. I usually use a couple of steel nuts as weights. I secure them in a car my packaging them in a little box:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-250126204256-568741308.jpeg)
and gluing them onto the floor of the car.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-250126204256-568752172.jpeg)
They will never come loose.
Mike
This morning while it snowed heavily outside, I added the roof:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-250126204055.jpeg)
The roof hatches are Atlas parts that I ordered a year ago because despite the box saying this is a grain car, the kit only included round hatches, rather than the trough hatches typical of grain cars. I had to carefully remove some short pins on the roof of the McKean car, as well as remove pins on the Atlas parts.
Here's the modified roof with the stock roof of one of the other kits in the background.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-250126204257-568761641.jpeg)
I guess those are pegs more than they are pins.
The roof is a tight fit, but in the end it sets down very nicely on the sides and ends.
Mike
First time for a McKean car kit build, I think. And it's out of your usual era, too.
dave
Michael nice start and I'll be following along as you progress.
Great start Michael.
Michael, kitbashing a grain car with a grain car kit that isn't a grain car kit. Now that is an interesting twist. ;D
You are off to a great start.
Looks like your already into doing this.
Jerry
Great way to add the weights. I'll be copying that. 8)
Jeff
Michael,
I'm looking forward to your mill challenge. The grain hopper is an extra bonus to watch.
Tom
Quote from: deemery on January 25, 2026, 09:31:00 PMFirst time for a McKean car kit build, I think. And it's out of your usual era, too.
dave
Yes, you don't see many of these cars around, although there are many on EBay.
Sort of a long story behind this project, partly that our club has adopted the late 1970's as a time period.
Mike
Quote from: Larry C on January 26, 2026, 07:24:38 AMMichael nice start and I'll be following along as you progress.
Thanks, Larry.
Quote from: elwoodblues on January 26, 2026, 09:41:19 AMMichael, kitbashing a grain car with a grain car kit that isn't a grain car kit. Now that is an interesting twist. ;D
You are off to a great start.
Ron,
Thank you.
Yes, the irony of it all.
Mike
Quote from: Jerry on January 26, 2026, 09:54:28 AMLooks like your already into doing this.
Jerry
I think this is going to be a case of projects within projects.
Mike
Quote from: Zephyrus52246 on January 26, 2026, 11:17:31 AMGreat way to add the weights. I'll be copying that. 8)
Jeff
Thank you, Jeff. Hasn't failed me yet.
Quote from: ACL1504 on January 26, 2026, 03:29:45 PMMichael,
I'm looking forward to your mill challenge. The grain hopper is an extra bonus to watch.
Tom
. . . and building the hopper gets another kit off the "to do" shelf.
Thanks for watching.
Mike
I was missing gravity discharge doors because they were on the same missing sprue as the trough-style hatches, so I scratchbuilt my own:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-260126162331.jpeg)
Nothing fancy, but I think they look better than the ones that were supposed to be supplied with the kit. Here they are glued in place:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-260126162419-568901355.jpeg)
I then added the end cages:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-260126162419-568921149.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-260126162419-568931065.jpeg)
The ladders don't look too bad in my opinion.
I'll add the brake wheel and it will be ready for the paint shop (my garage) currently closed because of the frigid temperatures.
Mike
Mike the discharge doors look really good; nice imagineering. The rest looks good as well.
All around nice job Mike.
First of all, thank you, Larry and Curt.
Today I finalized plans for the mill and ordered supplies.
Mike
My rough plans for the mill, front:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-290126100929-56895896.jpeg)
One end:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-290126100929-568981052.jpeg)
The other end:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-290126100929-568991713.jpeg)
I haven't drawn locations for windows and doors: I'll determine where they go as I go along.
The siding is a mix of wood and metal. I've ordered the corrugated iron; I have enough wood.
The building is based on an actual one in Pennsylvania. Photos are at the bottom of this page:https://portroyal200.com/view.php?id=76 Appropriately enough, they were taken by a model railroader extraordinaire: George Pierson.
Mike
Mike
Michael the Feed Mill looks like a fun project. Looking forward seeing what you do with this one.
Don't forget to add some cyclones to help move the dust out of the mill. I'm not sure when those started being used, but they were definitely a requirement by the time your covered hopper was in use.
add: Your prototype is from Vagel's corner of the world, right?
dave
Quote from: Larry C on January 29, 2026, 10:23:39 AMMichael the Feed Mill looks like a fun project. Looking forward seeing what you do with this one.
Yes, I think I'll have fun with this project.
Mike
Quote from: deemery on January 29, 2026, 10:27:13 AMDon't forget to add some cyclones to help move the dust out of the mill. I'm not sure when those started being used, but they were definitely a requirement by the time your covered hopper was in use.
dave
Dave,
We will have to see. There is a lot of equipment in the fresh air and I don't see any cyclones in the photos. I suspect calling this a mill is no longer accurate; "feed store" is more appropriate. There are several large and small bins to hold grains of various sorts.
Mike
Howdy Michael,
I'm looking forward to your build of this unique building. I like that you are including rolling stock in the project. This will be fun.
Have fun,
mike
Quote from: friscomike on January 29, 2026, 05:49:05 PMHowdy Michael,
I'm looking forward to your build of this unique building. I like that you are including rolling stock in the project. This will be fun.
Have fun,
mike
Thank you, Mike. I guessed that including rolling stock would be something different.
Mike
Looks like a fun scratch build.
Following closely, especially as you are scratch building.
Thanks for posting, Mike.
Quote from: PRR Modeler on January 30, 2026, 09:20:44 AMLooks like a fun scratch build.
Thanks. I've entered the "fun portal" from he mundane task of drawing plans to actually cutting wood siding.
Mike
Quote from: IWannaRetire on January 30, 2026, 10:29:42 AMFollowing closely, especially as you are scratch building.
Thanks for posting, Mike.
Thank you for following along.
Mike
Mike,
I am definitely late to the party, and no doubt this will be another
showstopper build as well. I grew up in rural farm country and grainery
buildings were abundant. Maybe you could have some 3D printed rats for
the bottom of a silo. ;)
Rich
Miniprints
Great work Mike;
Thank you for participating in the Winter Challenge. I love the work you have shown, this is going to be a fun build to watch. Love the grain car!
Jim
Quote from: Pennman on February 01, 2026, 12:38:54 AMMike,
I am definitely late to the party, and no doubt this will be another
showstopper build as well. I grew up in rural farm country and grainery
buildings were abundant. Maybe you could have some 3D printed rats for
the bottom of a silo. ;)
Rich
Rich,
Never too late.
Feed mills, stores or granaries are getting less common but bigger, I think.
Rats . . . that's an idea. I think I have some cats as well.
Mike
Quote from: Jim Donovan on February 01, 2026, 10:10:48 AMGreat work Mike;
Thank you for participating in the Winter Challenge. I love the work you have shown, this is going to be a fun build to watch. Love the grain car!
Jim
Thank you, Jim.
I've cut out walls for the main part of the mill. I'm in the process of staining them with Hunter Driftwood. I stain both sides, and sandwich the walls between paper towels and weight them down. This shows several after staining with walls still drying behind them.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-040226133741.jpeg)
I'll start adding bracing next. That should take care of the little bit of warp.
Mike
Nice progress, Mike.
Looking forward to watching this one come together.
Cheers, Mark.
Mike, glad to see you've found a use for core and hand samples... :)
dave
Mike I use 2 large heavy books and put the material sandwiched between tin foil.
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on February 04, 2026, 02:42:47 PMNice progress, Mike.
Looking forward to watching this one come together.
Cheers, Mark.
Mark,
Thank you. It feels good to be actually cutting and gluing.
Mike
Quote from: deemery on February 04, 2026, 04:09:41 PMMike, glad to see you've found a use for core and hand samples... :)
dave
Dave,
I was given one by a colleague and the others are bookends I won in a drawing.
Mike
Quote from: PRR Modeler on February 04, 2026, 04:46:52 PMMike I use 2 large heavy books and put the material sandwiched between tin foil.
That would work. Had not thought of the tin foil.
Mike very nice coloring on the walls.
Mike,
I like your wall coloring/staining, looks natural to me.
Yes, I agree, anytime we get a model off the "to do" shelf, is progress.
Tom
Quote from: Larry C on February 05, 2026, 10:12:57 AMMike very nice coloring on the walls.
Thank you, Larry. Driftwood has become my go to stain over the years.
Mike
Quote from: ACL1504 on February 05, 2026, 10:51:13 AMMike,
I like your wall coloring/staining, looks natural to me.
Yes, I agree, anytime we get a model off the "to do" shelf, is progress.
Tom
Tom,
Thank you for your observations.
Mike
Added bracing:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-050226183232.jpeg)
Some more sides remain to be cut out.
Mike
Michael the bracing should make a nice strong and straight building.
Quote from: Larry C on February 05, 2026, 08:10:47 PMMichael the bracing should make a nice strong and straight building.
Larry,
Thank you. There's strength in numbers.
Mike
Howdy Mike, nice work on the walls. I'm looking forward to your build. Have fun, mike
Mike,
Just catching up, the build is looking great.
Great job on the bracing.
Quote from: friscomike on February 06, 2026, 07:03:29 AMHowdy Mike, nice work on the walls. I'm looking forward to your build. Have fun, mike
Thank you, Mike. I appreciate you looking on as I build.
Mike
Quote from: elwoodblues on February 06, 2026, 08:36:47 AMMike,
Just catching up, the build is looking great.
Thank you, Ron.
Quote from: PRR Modeler on February 06, 2026, 02:35:02 PMGreat job on the bracing.
Thanks, Curt. It seems to take the longest time, and none of it shows in the end, but it's necessary.
Mike
Time came for painting. I bought an acrylic craft paint from Michael's and a brush. I squeezed a little paint on a make-shift pallet, dipped the brush in the paint, dabbed much of it off on a paper towel, and brushed it on. My goal was to get incomplete coverage so as to look like weathered paint. Not too weathered, just enough to expose some of the stained wood.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-070226201703-570311553.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-070226201703-570321843.jpeg)
I've found little use for the type of brush shown in the first photo. It's a very poor brush, but exact;y what I needed: relatively stiff. I find most craft brushes too soft for jobs like this.
I'm going to work on the windows and doors next.
Mike
Hardware stores and other places that carry house paint usually have that type of brush in sizes down to 3/4" diameter. Inexpensive and not too prone to leaving bristles behind. I have 4-5 hanging on nails beside my cans of latex paint,
Hi James,
In the past when I've used similar brushes they seemed to lose bristles. Perhaps they were a cheaper version.
Mike
Mike looks like you've achieved what you're going after; well done.
Quote from: Larry C on February 08, 2026, 07:49:50 AMMike looks like you've achieved what you're going after; well done.
Thanks, Larry.
Interesting use for that type of brush. Nice effect on the walls.
Jeff
Howdy Mike,
What Jeff said.
Have fun,
mike
Jeff and Mike,
Thank you. It turned out as I hoped.
Mike
Mike,
When I sat the picture with the huge brush I thought it was overkill, but seeing the final result it was the right choice as you nailed the effect you were trying to achieve.
Mike wonderful looking walls!
Jerry
Quote from: elwoodblues on February 08, 2026, 10:42:54 AMMike,
When I sat the picture with the huge brush I thought it was overkill, but seeing the final result it was the right choice as you nailed the effect you were trying to achieve.
Ron,
You can be sure that I tested it on a scratch piece of siding.
Mike
Quote from: Jerry on February 08, 2026, 12:08:08 PMMike wonderful looking walls!
Jerry
Thank you, Jerry.
Mike great looking walls.
Curt, thank you.
I've been adding trim and working on the doors.
The trim comprises scale 6 by 6 stripwood. Once the walls are assembled, each side butts up against the 6 by 6 corner pieces.
I made the doors by cutting out stripwood:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-100226175007-57039327.jpeg)
staining the boards:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-100226175007-57040382.jpeg)
and dry brushing the white paint with a small brush:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-100226175007-57041556.jpeg)
Here's the result:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-100226175007-570421319.jpeg)
I used scale 3 by 8" planks for the sliding doors and 2 by 4" planks for the man door.
My first attempt did not go well. I stained the stripwood, cut them out, glued them side by side, and drybrushed the white. I could not see the individual boards. My solution was to cut the boards first, sand the edges to round them off a little (not too much), paint each, and them assemble into a door.
Mike
Very nice Mike
Those doors look good, Mike.'
I like the painting effect.
Cheers, Mark.
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on February 11, 2026, 03:01:36 PMThose doors look good, Mike.'
I like the painting effect.
Cheers, Mark.
Thank you, Mark.
Mike,
The walls and doors look great to me. Very well done.
Tom
Quote from: ACL1504 on February 12, 2026, 08:27:02 AMMike,
The walls and doors look great to me. Very well done.
Tom
Tom,
Thank you. After six decades of building models I'm still surprised when something goes to plan.
Mike
Mike great looking doors. The weathering is perfect.
Jerry
Jerry,
Thank you for your kind words.
Mike
Details
Windows
I'm using a variety of windows, including some N-scale metal castings I picked up somewhere. Several windows required me to remove muntins to match the prototype more closely.
I first sprayed the castings with Rustoleum "Khaki" to provide an undercoat resembling weathered wood. This is a basic technique I learned from a forum. I then dry brushed the white.
The results:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-130226175241-570782450.jpeg)
Foundation
I had planned ahead and extended by 3 scale feet the 1/8 by 1/8" stripwood I used for bracing. I also added scrap sheetwood to provide further support to the foundation. To this I added strips of very thin plywood to become backing for the simulated stone I will add later.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-130226175241-570792142.jpeg)
Starting to Assemble
Results can be seen in the following photos showing the partial assembly of the walls. In the first image you can see the small triangle in an interior corner that serves to keep the structure square. Those are the first two walls I assembled.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-130226175241-5708073.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-130226175242-57081488.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-130226175242-57082579.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-130226175316.jpeg)
Several years ago, Rich (aka Pennman) sent me bundles of stripwood that he thought I could use. He was right; I pretty much used up one bundle for bracing. Thanks Rich!
Mike
Mike nice job on the windows and bracing. It's starting to come together.
Thank you, Curt.
Mike,
The windows look great, the building is really coming together.
Mike great paint effect on the building and windows.
Everything looks great Mike, It's starting to look like a Holn-made building now!
Rich
Quote from: elwoodblues on February 14, 2026, 11:04:20 AMMike,
The windows look great, the building is really coming together.
Thanks, Ron. The "coming together" stage is one of my favorites.
Mike
Quote from: Larry C on February 15, 2026, 10:36:44 AMMike great paint effect on the building and windows.
Thank you, Larry. The challenge is to get styrene and wood to look similar.
Quote from: Pennman on February 16, 2026, 10:20:06 PMEverything looks great Mike, It's starting to look like a Holn-made building now!
Rich
Rich,
Thanks. I think it's been a couple of years since I scratch built a structure. Feels good.
Mike
Some serious assembly has been taking place.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-170226184033.jpeg)
I have a couple more walls to cut out, stain, paint and attach. Then I can start on the roof.
Mike
That's going to be a large building when done Mike.
Looking good, Mike.
Fit seems very accurate.
Cheers, Mark.
Mike,
That looks really good. Well done.
Tom
Quote from: PRR Modeler on February 17, 2026, 07:37:01 PMThat's going to be a large building when done Mike.
Curt,
You're right. It barely fits the allotted space.
Mike
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on February 17, 2026, 08:08:23 PMLooking good, Mike.
Fit seems very accurate.
Cheers, Mark.
Mark,
Thank you. Went together better than I expected. A few adjustments and shaving were necessary of course.
Mike
Quote from: ACL1504 on February 18, 2026, 01:56:30 PMMike,
That looks really good. Well done.
Tom
Thank you, Tom.
Top notch as usual Mike! 8)
I slowed down a little on the building while making a base for my diorama and decalling the covered hopper. I returned to the building today, adding the final wall:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-230226193212.jpeg)
You can see my liberal use of clothespins, some modified to provide a stronger grip.
Mike
Just got caught up on this build Mike, neat kit and great progress, I'll be looking in..... :)
Quote from: GPdemayo on February 25, 2026, 11:23:09 AMJust got caught up on this build Mike, neat kit and great progress, I'll be looking in..... :)
Thank you!
Howdy Mike, the mill looks fantastic, and it isn't even finished yet. Have you decided on the roofing material? Have fun, mike
Mike the building is looking soooo good! Glad to see I'm not the only one that uses clothespins in modeling.
Quote from: friscomike on February 26, 2026, 09:23:31 AMHowdy Mike, the mill looks fantastic, and it isn't even finished yet. Have you decided on the roofing material? Have fun, mike
Mike,
Thank you. I plan to use sheets of styrene simulated metal roofing.
Mike
Quote from: Larry C on February 26, 2026, 09:29:21 AMMike the building is looking soooo good! Glad to see I'm not the only one that uses clothespins in modeling.
Larry,
Thank you!
Since we had the outdoor clotheslines removed to make room for a garage, modeling is the only use we have for clothespins.
Mike
Parts of the feed mill are metal clad. From the photos, the cladding was added over the original clapboard siding. Both wood and metal look beat up.
I decided to use "corrugated iron" material from Mine Mount, a paper product I find superior to actual metal. It comes in long strips, already in a galvanized iron finish, although I will be painting it.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-260226161909-571821724.jpeg)
The first step was to cut out pieces 8 scale feet by 4.5 scale feet, a little wide but those proportions will fit the building better.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-260226161909-57184607.jpeg)
I stuck them to a piece of cardboard and painted them white;
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-260226161909-571852090.jpeg)
I also gave them a light dusting with cream and dark brown powder to take away the new white look:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-260226161909-571861380.jpeg)
I cut some to a shorter length, weathered them some more with dark brown acrylic and powder to look like old rust and wear, and glued them on the building with canopy glue, which I find good for joining dissimilar materials. The results:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-260226161909-571871711.jpeg)
Almost ready for the roof.
Mike
Mike love the look of the weathered iron siding.
Quote from: Larry C on February 26, 2026, 05:03:29 PMMike love the look of the weathered iron siding.
Larry, thank you.
That is a great weathered color Mike.
Quote from: PRR Modeler on February 27, 2026, 07:09:54 AMThat is a great weathered color Mike.
Thank you, Curt. I learned some of how to do it on a forum like this.
Mike
Mike, great job on the corrugated siding, can't tell it's a paper product. Thanks for showing us how you did it.
Ron,
Thank you.
I remember being skeptical about using a paper product but seeing good results when others used it and having experienced problems with metal, I can say that I like it.
Mike
Hi folks,
It's been almost a week since my last update. The weekend was spent in Pittsburgh with my wife at a blues dance event: workshops and live bands. No time for modeling.
Now that I'm back, I've been busy adding roofs to the mill. My procedure is to add some cross bracing to stiffen and attach the 1/32" plywood I use. Here are a couple of in-progress photos:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-050326125341-572271636.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-050326125341-572282419.jpeg)
I use scale 12 by 12" lumber for the bracing. Another section of roof glued in place:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-050326125341-57229269.jpeg)
The bracing for the longest roof sections:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-050326125341-57230110.jpeg)
Meanwhile, I've started work on the diorama base. More on that later.
Mike
That strikes me as a very realistic level of weathering: tired, but still a going concern. One good year or a few new customers and they could afford to scrape and repaint...
Quote from: jbvb on March 05, 2026, 02:17:45 PMThat strikes me as a very realistic level of weathering: tired, but still a going concern. One good year or a few new customers and they could afford to scrape and repaint...
Thank you. What you wrote is what I was aiming for. I intend it to be part of operations on my layout.
Mike
Nice work Mike!
Mike excellent modeling on the barn.
Quote from: PRR Modeler on March 06, 2026, 12:22:13 PMMike excellent modeling on the barn.
Curt,
Thank you.
Mike
Howdy Mike,
The barn looks great. Nice work on the paint. Do you apply shingles before or after you glue on roof cards?
Have fun,
mike
Quote from: friscomike on March 07, 2026, 08:26:16 AMHowdy Mike,
The barn looks great. Nice work on the paint. Do you apply shingles before or after you glue on roof cards?
Have fun,
mike
mike,
Thank you.
I will be making a metal roof (actually, styrene.) However, when I do shingles or slate, I apply them after the roof cards (subroofing) are glued in place.
Mike
Mike, the weathering looks great, a well used building that still has worth.
Mike,
Wow, it looks great and weathered nicely. Great job.
Tom
Thank you, Ron and Tom.
One of my favorite steps in scratchbuilding is adding trim along the eaves. It's fiddly, but gives the model a look of finish far out of proportion to the volume of material.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-090326205249-5724322.jpeg)
Meanwhile, I took a rectangular base from an old project, turned it over, made sure it was withing the size allowed, and did some cutting to create a trapezoid. The odd shape is because of of where it will be joined to my layout.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-090326205250-572441951.jpeg)
The lower right corner is still wet.
Over the next few days I will be alternating between adding the roofing and doing scenery.
Thanks for looking in.
Mike
In the photo you can see where I glued down a sheet of 1/8"cork to provide a little relief. The metamorphic rock bookends guarantee the cork edge is flat. The result with a section of code 70 track:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-090326205250-57245221.jpeg)
I shaved the cork down to make a smooth transition:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-090326205250-572462345.jpeg) (https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-090326205250-57247712.jpeg)
I ballasted the track after covering much of the area with actual dirt. I then added electrostatic grass in a fall color, some Woodland Scenics "Burnt Grass" and a little shrubbery:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-090326205454.jpeg)
The eaves look great. It really makes for a show winner. A detail mostly overlooked.
Philip
Great job on the eaves Mike Your build keeps getting better and better.
Fascia looks terrific, Mike.
Cheers, Mark.
Thank you, Philip,Curt, and Mark!
Mike your build is coming along nicely. Always nice to see when scenery starts getting added brings the build to life.
Thanks, Larry. Scenery is fun . . . When it goes well.
Mike
I'm at the stage of adding details. There's a small false front that I sheathed on both sides and added trim to finish it off. First, I cut out two triangles from scrap wood:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-150326192322-57272502.jpeg)
To this I added scale 2 by 4" stripwood stained and painted like the rest of the building:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-150326192322-57274355.jpeg)
Here they are glued in place:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-150326192322-572751139.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-150326192451-57276584.jpeg)
And after scale 3 by 8" stripwood added as trim:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-150326192451-572772110.jpeg)
Meanwhile, I've been adding styrene roofing after painting with a slightly off-white spray paint.
First, some flashing:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-150326192322-572711940.jpeg)
Many roof panels have been installed.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-150326192451-572781732.jpeg)
Mike
Looks great Mike.
It's really coming together nicely.
Jeff
Looking really good, Mike.
Cheers, Mark.
Quote from: Zephyrus52246 on March 16, 2026, 12:06:01 PMIt's really coming together nicely.
Jeff
Jeff,
Thank you!
Mike
Mike that is looking soooo good; well done.
Mike very nicely done. great job.
Jerry
Quote from: Larry C on March 17, 2026, 07:52:58 AMMike that is looking soooo good; well done.
Larry,
Thank you.
Mike
Quote from: Jerry on March 17, 2026, 08:55:34 AMMike very nicely done. great job.
Jerry
Jerry,
Thanks much!
Mike
Playing catch up here Mike. Nice neat work. Building looks great with the many roof angles.
Bernd
Bernd,
Thank you.
Variety in roof levels and angles seems to be in the very nature of feed mills new and old. It has presented a challenge.
Mike
I saw this place in Vermont (516 Mill Rd, Hartford VT, near White River Junction):
Screenshot 2026-03-17 at 18.41.08.jpg
Screenshot 2026-03-17 at 18.41.43.jpg
Unfortunately I couldn't stop to take photos and these aren't the best roofline views, but I did remember the location so I could go back and find it on Google Street View. I thought you'd be interested in the inspiration. It's along the tracks but above a source of water (White River is about 40' down from here) so I'm guessing it was a steam powered grain mill.
dave
So New Englandy! I like the colors.
Thanks, Dave.
Chimney
Sometimes I forget about chimneys until after the roof is done; what a pain then. This time I remembered, and built a little platform for it to sit on, nice and plumb:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-180326173031-57293146.jpeg)
The chimney is a Tichy part, painted a brick color. After placing the subroof, I added mortar by slathering on a light gray-colored powder mixed with isopropyl alchohol:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-180326173031-57294886.jpeg)
After it dried, I wiped off the excess on the brick with a wet (spit) finger:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-180326173031-572951203.jpeg)
I added more metal siding, row by row. Here's an early stage:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-180326173031-572961599.jpeg)
I finished the metal; time to add roofs. First, a subroof::
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-180326173031-572972453.jpeg)
Trim was added around the perimeters.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-180326173140.jpeg)
Both of these small roofs are ready for the styrene "metal" roofing.
Mike
This looks very good Mike.
8) Epic!
I've really gotten down to the details; after a break of about a week working on several fronts, it's time to post what I've been up to.
Let me talk about roofs. In previous posts, I believe I've shown the extent of braching I use on the walls. The same goes for the roofs. I usually have heavy bracing between the end gables near the peak and near the walls. I don't rely on the thin sheetwood walls to provide good glue surfaces. To the bracing and walls I glue the thin plywood subroof. Trim is added to the edges after it is stained and painted:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-280326174116-57337332.jpeg)
I measure the area of each section of roof, paint the faux metal roofing, and glue it down:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-280326174116-57339490.jpeg)
To be continued . . . .
This structure is to provide a switching location for covered grain hoppers on my layout. It occurred to me that I could also spot boxcars on the same track if there were a door on the track side of the mill. A little late for that realization, but I decided to forge ahead. I drew the door outline:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-280326174116-573401316.jpeg)
cut the opening:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-280326174117-57341657.jpeg)
And installed a door:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-280326174117-573421237.jpeg)
Cutting the opening required many passes with the Xacto knife while holding the building on my legs, knees apart, opposite-side down. I was very grateful for my habit of robust construction.
I took a break from the structure by completing work on the covered hopper. I paint the trucks with a dark brown acrylic paint comprising a mix of burnt umber and black. I do the frames and the wheels with the same mix. Once dry, I brush on a dark gray-brown powder to cut the shine and look aged:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-280326174220-57343732.jpeg)
The body was weathered with the same acrylic muck to make the the rust steaks on the sides, followed by a general dusting of the same mixture of brown and gray powders used on the trucks:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-280326174220-57344582.jpeg)
Notice the horizontal rust streaks where the car side-swiped some object.
I have a few more details to do before I add the large awning on the front.
Mike
Something I now try to do with gable roofs is to use the gable end walls BEFORE they're assembled to draw and cut pieces of wood/styrene for triangular roof braces. A pair of those glued to the subroof panels makes for a very strong roof that can be removed. If I forget, I still use the gable wall ends to trace the triangle onto wood/styrene and cut that out.
And a trick for cutting a door in an existing building: I cut a piece of 1x4 to a bit less than the interior opening, then clamped that to the workbench so it sticks out. I put the assembled building so the wall to be cut was over that 1x4, and cut the opening through the wall into that 1x4 as the support for the wall.
dave
Dave,
That's thinking ahead.
I didn't plan to make any roofs removable, especially with the interior almost invisible with the few windows and solid doors. However, I used all those triangular scraps of sheetwood that you get when cutting out gables to provide additional bracing to some of the walls. Other pieces I used as jigs in my chopper to cut bracing at appropriate angles. I have remarkably few scraps left over.
Mike
Nice progress, Mike.
Its looking really good.
Cheers, Mark.
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on March 28, 2026, 11:24:35 PMNice progress, Mike.
Its looking really good.
Cheers, Mark.
Thank you, Mark.
Mike the roof looks terrific. Great job on the freight door.
Howdy Mike,
Excellent work as usual. The many bump-outs make me think the mill was expanded many times over the years. It has loads of character.
Have fun,
mike
Quote from: PRR Modeler on March 30, 2026, 07:43:09 AMMike the roof looks terrific. Great job on the freight door.
Thank you, Curt.
There's a lot of roof. As for the freight door, I sort of had to build up confidence.
Mike
Quote from: friscomike on March 30, 2026, 08:07:57 AMHowdy Mike,
Excellent work as usual. The many bump-outs make me think the mill was expanded many times over the years. It has loads of character.
Have fun,
mike
mike,
Thank you. The complexity is partly why I wanted to model this structure. I think you're right about it being expanded several times.
Mike
The Awning
To build the awning I first made a pattern to get the dimensions the way I liked:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-020426180338-57346600.jpeg)
I used the pattern to construct a jig:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-020426180338-57347378.jpeg)
From which I build a number of joists:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-020426184953.jpeg)
I decided that I didn't need so many individual joists, so I doubled up some of them. Then I glued them to a layer of scale 2 by 12" boards. All components had been stained a brown color to represent unweathered wood that had oxidized over time.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-020426180338-573491906.jpeg)
I built a sign by printing the name of the mill using what seemed to be an appropriate font, cutting it out, gluing it to a backing of 2 by 12" boards, and adding trim of 2 by 3" stripwood painted black.
To support the sign, I modified my jig to make smaller versions of the joists:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-020426180338-573501743.jpeg)
Here is the sign glued to the roof:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-020426183632.jpeg)
My procedure for weathering the roof was to brush on some Bragdon "Ash" powder, a gray color, to cut the off-white color of the painted styrene. Then I used a dark brown to represent the uneven rusting of the roof. In places I used a little rust color for variety.
Here's a photo of the roof glued in place:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-020426184327.jpeg)
I still have a few details to add to the building; meanwhile, I've started work on the grain bins and elevator.
Mike
Mike,
The grain/feed mill is looking wonderful. I've enjoyed the scratch build journey.
Tom
Quote from: ACL1504 on April 03, 2026, 02:44:28 PMMike,
The grain/feed mill is looking wonderful. I've enjoyed the scratch build journey.
Tom
Thank you. I've enjoyed having you along on the ride.
Mike
Great job on the awning and sign Mike.
Thank you, Curt.
With the structure nearly complete, I moved to the elevator and Bins.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-050426093107-573652122.jpeg)
The bins were gifts from Dave Emery. They are meant for water or fuel tanks but scrolling through photos I noticed that old feed grains looked similar, so I decided they would work. No details here on construction; nothing special. Just join sections to make rings, pile the rings, and add the top.
The elevator is a PikeStuff kit. I simply followed instructions.
A couple of construction details . . .
Seeing no clear way to guarantee the platform would be straight, I glued pieces of stripwood against the ridge around the elevator, glued the platform on, and then, because I'd used a water-based glue. I removed the wood.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-050426093107-573661045.jpeg)
I was worried the small base would be insufficient to hold the elevator in place over time, so I glued a square of styrene to the base, and attached the assembly down to the homasote base with four track nails. Here it is with the scenery partially in place to cover it.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-050426093107-57367758.jpeg)
The bins are glued down with tacky glue.
I've started adding the chutes. Sort of delicate. The chute to the building will need some thought.
Mike
Mike the roofs look excellent!!!! Nice car and the grain bins should make up nicely.
Mike that's a nice set-up. Are you planning on adding grime and rust or will they be new?
Quote from: Larry C on April 05, 2026, 11:11:36 AMMike the roofs look excellent!!!! Nice car and the grain bins should make up nicely.
Thank you, Larry.
Quote from: PRR Modeler on April 05, 2026, 11:16:55 AMMike that's a nice set-up. Are you planning on adding grime and rust or will they be new?
Curt,
Thank you.
Excellent question. I'll probably do minimal weathering. I figure they represent the newest parts of the facility.
Mike
Coming on very nicely, Mike.
Cheers, Mark.
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on April 11, 2026, 04:20:34 PMComing on very nicely, Mike.
Cheers, Mark.
Thank you, Mark.
More Details
Foundation
The foundation is made from a paper product that I bought some years ago from Rusty Stumps, now available from Rail Scale Models.
I simply brushed several gray and brown shades of powders, and cut strips to laminate on the foundation area:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-110426190720-573682479.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-110426190720-57370350.jpeg)
I supplemented the sticky backing with canopy glue.
Chutes
I wanted a chute from the elevator to the building, but I also wanted to be able to remove the building. I added a semicircular plastic piece to the elevator, and glued an angled fitting to the bottom of the chute:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-110426190720-573712410.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-110426190720-57372349.jpeg)
The chute simply sits in place:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-110426190720-573731866.jpeg)
Steps
For making steps I used a jig and stringers I also bought from Rusty Stumps:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-110426190813-573741472.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-110426190813-57375694.jpeg)
The result in place:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-110426190813-573761684.jpeg)
I have a few more details to complete on this model.
Mike
Michael nice imagineering on the chute. The jig for stairs has to make the task a whole lot easier.
Quote from: Larry C on April 12, 2026, 07:41:38 AMMichael nice imagineering on the chute. The jig for stairs has to make the task a whole lot easier.
Thank you, Larry.
Yes, the jig is the bees knees.
Mike
Great progress! This is turning into a wonderful scratch build.
Jerry
Jerry,
Thank you.
I've enjoyed this project, in part because of the variety of materials and overall size. It will have a lot of presence on my layout.
Mike
Final Details (I think)
Today I worked on the area where the grain is dumped from a covered hopper. It consists of a pit covered by a steel lid, a trench with auger, again covered by a plate of steel, and a small set of concrete slabs surrounding the pit. I didn't cut a pit; just the metal coverings and concrete pad. Here are the pieces in place, not glued down as yet:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-130426202815-574051754.jpeg)
The next photo shows the completed "pit" just visible between the bins and building. I rusted up the steel components with dark brown acrylic paint, dark brown and rusty powders. I also scraped off some chalk into a powder and spread it on the concrete pad to represent spilled grain. I'll have better pictures tomorrow showing the area in more detail.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-130426202816-574061087.jpeg)
The photo also shows that I dirtied up the bins and elevator with brown-gray powder applied with a brush and wiped with one of those soft sponges used with pan pastels.
Mike
Looking good, Michael.
You're finishing with a bang!
Cheers, Mark.
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on April 13, 2026, 11:17:16 PMLooking good, Michael.
You're finishing with a bang!
Cheers, Mark.
Mark,
Thank you.
Mike
Howdy Mike,
The finishing touches look terrific. It's those little details that make the scene believable. The stone foundation complements the building.
Have fun,
mike
Quote from: friscomike on April 14, 2026, 08:48:17 AMHowdy Mike,
The finishing touches look terrific. It's those little details that make the scene believable. The stone foundation complements the building.
Have fun,
mike
Mike,
Thank you. I've enjoyed doing all the "fiddly bits" on this structure.
I'm happy with the foundation. The coloring is subtle but I think true to what I see in the real world.
Mike
Final Pictures
I'd like to thank those who followed along. Comments are encouraging.
So now . . . the results.
Feed mills modern or vintage seem to have one thing in common: complex combinations roof lines, bins and elevators. That's what attracted me to this structure.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-140426163004-574072210.jpeg)
The building itself is scratchbuilt from plans that I drew from photos. The wood siding and trim are Mt. Albert sheet and stripwood. I used a couple of products new to me for the simulated corrugated iron (Mine Mount Models) and the standing seam roof (a styrene sheet product from JTT Scenery Products.) Window castings are from Grandt Line (now San Juan) and chimnet casting from Tichy. I built the freight doors and one of the man doors from stripwood. Stone foundation sheet was from Rusty Stumps (now sold by Rail Scale Models.)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-140426163005-574091746.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-140426163005-57410164.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-140426163005-574111832.jpeg)
The two grain bins are from BH Models; I have no idea if that business still exists. The elevator is a Rix Products model. In the past year I have used a number of their products and I really like them. The buildings are sold as grist for the kitbashing mill and they are all that. The styrene is relatively soft so cutting it is straightforward. The bins and elevator were built according to the directions.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-140426163005-574122370.jpeg)
The covered hopper is an old McKean kit that was missing some parts. I substituted Atlas grain trough hatches for the round hatches supplied in the kit, and I scratchbuilt the discharge gates. Decals are from K4.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-140426163056-574132453.jpeg)
This photo shows where the grain is unloaded. Looks like critters found some spilled grain.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1660-140426163057-574142078.jpeg)
Rich "Pennman" and Curt "PRR Modeler" suggested the rats and where to buy them (Miniprints). Thanks guys!
This diorama will become part of my layout once I build a little extension to the benchwork.
Mike
I like the rooflines. Interesting, but they look appropriate/reasonable.
dave
Quote from: deemery on April 14, 2026, 07:09:20 PMI like the rooflines. Interesting, but they look appropriate/reasonable.
dave
Thanks, Dave.
I think it looks very realistic Mike. Outstanding job.
Quote from: PRR Modeler on April 15, 2026, 07:19:18 AMI think it looks very realistic Mike. Outstanding job.
Curt,
Thank you. Much appreciated.
Mike
Classic grain facility. Building that's been added onto over the years again and again. Beautiful work, Mike.
Jeff
Nice build Mike!
Howdy Mike,
The diorama looks amazing. Subtle touches like the grain car and rats help make it look real. You've got to be proud of this one.
Have fun,
mike
Quote from: friscomike on April 15, 2026, 11:00:33 AMHowdy Mike,
The diorama looks amazing. Subtle touches like the grain car and rats help make it look real. You've got to be proud of this one.
Have fun,
mike
Maybe add a cat stalking the rats? ;)
dave
Quote from: Zephyrus52246 on April 15, 2026, 08:14:01 AMClassic grain facility. Building that's been added onto over the years again and again. Beautiful work, Mike.
Jeff
Jeff,
Thank you.
I think the beauty of grain facilities is that no two seem identical and most older ones have multiple additions and alterations.
Mike
Quote from: friscomike on April 15, 2026, 11:00:33 AMHowdy Mike,
The diorama looks amazing. Subtle touches like the grain car and rats help make it look real. You've got to be proud of this one.
Have fun,
mike
mike,
Thank you!
I confess that it exceeds my expectations when I started.
Mike
Quote from: deemery on April 15, 2026, 11:07:04 AMQuote from: friscomike on April 15, 2026, 11:00:33 AMHowdy Mike,
The diorama looks amazing. Subtle touches like the grain car and rats help make it look real. You've got to be proud of this one.
Have fun,
mike
Maybe add a cat stalking the rats? ;)
dave
Dave,
I have some cats in my stash. I might add one once the scene is installed on my layout. It's going to be right in front.
Mike
A cat (or terrier dog) stalking rats makes a nice 'little story scene' on a layout. It's fun to construct those stories.
dave
Mike,
Extremely well done. Love the roof angles and the entire complex. All thumb up from here.
Tom
Quote from: ACL1504 on April 15, 2026, 04:49:10 PMMike,
Extremely well done. Love the roof angles and the entire complex. All thumb up from here.
Tom
Thank you, Tom!
Terrific model, Mike.
Beautiful lines, and I love the rats!
Cheers, Mark.
Thank you, Mark. The rats were a fun little thing to do.
Micheal congrats on 3rd place; nicely done build.
Mike,
Congratulations on the Third Place win on you fantastic model of the Feed Mill. Well done.
Tom
Larry and Tom,
Thank you. I was in good company. All the models were very different, weren't they?
Mike
Congratulations, Mike!
A great build with a lot of variety. I really enjoyed watching it come together.
Cheers, Mark.
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on May 09, 2026, 04:42:06 PMCongratulations, Mike!
A great build with a lot of variety. I really enjoyed watching it come together.
Cheers, Mark.
Thank you very much, Mark.