Roca Grain Elevator build

[Mark W]

It's high time I build the grain elevator for my FreeMo-Nebraska module based on Roca, Nebraska.  With my new toy, the Sillhouette Craft Cutter, it's the perfect build to put the cutter to the test.





I modeled the building in 3D, then plotted the walls for the cutter and hit print.  90 second later, I had the office all cut out.


Minimal work to pop the cuts right out.


The little bay window was tricky, but still went together way easier than expected!




Next up, the main elevator structure.

[hegstad1]

This will be good!

[Mark W]

Making progress.





The elevator's dimensions are a little off, but it's acceptable to me. 
Any suggestions on methods for the two silos?  I'm thinking score the pattern on some thin sheet and wrap it.

[Bendtracker1]

Looking awesome Mark!
Yeah, scoring a thin sheet sounds like a good plan.

[SAH]

Well done.  I've a similar structure to build for Spencer and will be interested to see how you resolve some of the siding material issues.
Looking forward to seeing more.
Steve

[kalbert]

Nice work so far!
I'd think to score some plastic and wrap it around a pipe would work good for the bins.
The siding could be done real easy with photos of the real stuff or texture sheets available online. Think Lance Mindheim.

[Mark W]

Decided to tackle the Quonset next.  For assembly, I had the cutter make 6 outside support braces.  This would have been a nightmare to cut by hand!
The Silhouette cutter does an awesome job on curves!  Aside from a scooter I bought, which has already paid for itself in the amount I've saved on gas, this is the 2nd best purchase I've made all year!





TP rolls are just a stand in.  I'm going to have the cutter score the pattern on styrene for the actual silos.  I plan to timelapse the cutter for this part to show it in action. 

[GaryHinshaw]

Fantastic (and rapid!) start to this project.  I think I'll have to take the plunge for one of these cutters as well, when the time comes for all the industrial structures I'll eventually need.  Thanks for posting this - I look forward to the time lapse.

[Mark W]

Gotta do some excavating on the module a little but, but we're pretty much ready for fine details. 

[Scottl]

You have really taken to that cutter- bravo!  Between your 3D printing and cutting, you can really put together a lot of unique items.

[sirenwerks]

Are you giving away the files for that model so other asshats with cutters can make one?     Neat solution to the Quonset hut assembly and your silos look great so far.  Some decal rivets and they'll really shine.

[Mark W]

Are you giving away the files for that model so other asshats with cutters can make one? 

Not the business man in me. But I'll gladly cut and ship the raw styrene for a fair price.  
I think it adds up about 7 dollars in raw styrene, so maybe round up to 10 for time and consumables. 

Some decal rivets and they'll really shine.

Yep, gonna be a great excuse to finally play with those archer rivets that people talk so highly about.

[Mark W]

Started adding some details.  I always get apprehensive at this point.  How far do I go before I start painting? 

I'm hoping that after a base coat, I can wash the silo with india ink to make the seams pop. 

[peteski]

That is looking pretty good Mark!

[Bendtracker1]

Very cool Mark!