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First up on the build series is the Walthers Ashland Iron & Steel Rolling Mill
Finished Mill measures: 32 x 11-1/8 x 10" (81.3 x 28.26 x 25.4cm)
This rolling mill will be built with a slight kitbash. Instead of arranging the base plates as the instruction suggests, I have arranged them so that the Rolling Mill Stand and Machinery is on the right side of the structure, and the tracks are all on the left side. Walthers has the kit arranged for tracks on either side of the structure, but most people do not have the room to get tracks in on both sides of this massive structure, so this will make it a little easier and take up less real-estate in the end for someone looking to build a steel mill.
Next post will cover Step #1, which is the assembly of the 4 base components.
Step 1 involves assembling the 4 base components for the Rolling Mill. As mentioned above, I have rearranged the orientation of the base components. Walthers suggests putting the Rolling Mill Stand and the Machinery in the middle of the structure and tracks on either side, however, most people do not have the room to have tracks coming from both sides of a structure. This way, this structure could be used in a corner.
Pictures of the assembled base with a couple Red Caboose BNSF Coil Cars
Thanks for the build update Josh. Looks great so far. I will be saving this one as I will be doing the same exact thing with my rolling mill. (not for a few months).
I think the club has this model. The slots are indeed the same width as the rails. If rails fit into the slots, you'd have a gauge problem and no flangeways. Because of this, I ask whether the prototype has slots instead of rails (which is possible)
I just checked, rails dont fit into the slots. I have some Code 70 Rail, and even when trying to force it end from the end, it is very hard to do so. This being said, they could be modified to accept metal rails by doing a little more kitbashing, but i wont be going that far on this one anyways. If left plastic slots, you will not be able to run a powered locomotive in the mill and you would need to use a spacer car to get a car if needed. The way the base plates are orientated right now however, the slots are only long enough to hold 2 coil cars each, so this shouldnt be a problem with not being able to get a powered locomotive in there.
I think the club has this model. The slots are indeed the same width as the rails. If rails fit into the slots, you'd have a gauge problem and no flangeways. Because of this, I ask whether the prototype has slots instead of rails (which is possible)
Steps 4 & 5 were to build and install the Upper Motor and Drive Shaft. The Motor sits atop the platform, and the end of the drive shaft ties into the Roller Stand
Steps 8-10 - Roller Stand Handrails/Stairway & Side Guard Rails
Steps 8-10
Step 8: Assemble and install the Roller Stand Platform Handrails
Step 9: Assemble and install the Roller Stand Platform Stairway
Step 10: Assemble and install the 4 Roller Conveyor Guard Rails
Not too much progress to report, been busy as of late. Started my new second job yesterday, and in the process of getting a new truck for the new job
Step 11: Install the 8 Soaking Pit Lids
Step 12: Assemble the Smoke Stacks. The Smoke Stacks will be glued in place (you can see where they go on the bad just behind the Soaking Pit Lids) after the walls of the Rolling Mill have been glued in place
Step 13: Assemble and install the Roller Conveyor Crossover Platform
