Page 18 - May June 1998
P. 18

  RAILROAD REVIEW, cont...
 post, upper post, two cross-arms and a track number board. The posts are square in cross- section and the two separate cross-arm parts fit either side of it, into recesses moulded diagonally across the faces of the post.
There are 10 mileposts with long lettering panels and 10 with shorter panels. Plenty of decals are provided, and those for the mile- posts include not only numerals but other signs such as DERAIL, and TANK. It is advised that all parts be painted for better decal adhesion. These items provide a useful range of realistic details not always well- modelled, or even modelled at all.
 Again, flexibility is the key. The bins are pro- vided as separate moulded sections of ‘cor- rugated’ material each, and a conical one- piece roof. Each side section has a glue tab at one end, which extends both behind the adjacent section and vertically to the course above. You can not only build as many courses as you need, but achieve the distinc- tive joint markings between the panels.
I found is best to reverse the instructions’ assembly order. Instead of making the full ground-level course and building the bin up, I made the top course first and glued it to the roof. This gives a good solid basis to work on
and helps establish a truly round bin. The (internal) vertical glue tabs thus point down instead of up.
Next I made up the remaining side panels into pairs and fitted them pro- gressively downwards from the roof assembly. For the panels of the lowest course, the vertical portions of the glue tabs are cut off. While the glue is still a little soft, the panels can be nudged about to get the best fit at the joints where needed.
When set, a small hole is drilled in the centre of the roof to take the pipe from the elevator shaft. A door is fit- ted near the base of the bin which is then complete.
The elevator is built up from 4 tower pieces, and some parts which assem- ble into the head and distribution chute. Two platforms are provided, along with numerous railings, and two ladders. Three styrene tubes rep- resent the pipes from the elevator
head to the two bins and a discharge pipe for loading.
Though shown in the kit illustrations, there is no base provided and no vertical support pole for the discharge pipe. I used a section of 2mm thick styrene as a base, and fixed a length of 18g. piano wire from this base to
 3) The N scale “Guthrie Grain” kit
comprises a pair of 30’ tall Butler bins and a single 60’ grain elevator shaft with the pip- ing, laddering and details. (Nigel mentions that a kit is also available with just 2-60’ or 1- 120’ grain elevator, ladders and platforms as #628-0707 for £8.55p)
   the discharge pipe, copying the kit photo. (Modelling tips: I found it easiest to install the two platforms bare of railings. When set, I added both ladders. When these were set I added the railings. On the top platform, it is easiest to add first the very short railings that adjoin the elevator shaft, then build up the rest.)
“Guthrie Grain”, whether assembled like this or one of the many variations in size and design possible, gives N scalers an eye- catching and almost ubiquitous industry for their covered hoppers.
PRODUCT REVIEW by B. M. Clarke
Walther’s Steel Water Tank
[“Cornerstone” Series, #933-3043]
At last we have a water tank of sufficient size to not look out of place at any reasonable model steam locomotive depot. I received this Danish-manufactured kit from LSWR, and it consists of 36 pieces to form the tank, plus 6 pieces to make two water columns. All parts are cast in semi-matt grey plastic.
A leaflet gives a one-page history of water tanks, and three pages of instructions.
All parts are neatly cast, with little flash, and go together easily, using a sharp modelling knife, liquid solvent and polystyrene cement. I followed the instructions up to Stage 5, at which point I decided to paint the model. Painting is not mentioned in the instruc- tions, but this is the best time, as it will be more difficult later on.
After painting, construction continues, tak- ing particular care with Part #11, as the X- braces are the most fragile part of the kit. The whole thing goes together without diffi- culty, and on completion you have an impos- ing water tank 25' in diameter, standing 48' high, which can be located at any suitable spot in your engine terminal. You will also have two water columns, approximately 10" in diameter.
 Carrying on the grain theme from the review above, we see Cargill SW8 #11 switching at Al- bany, NY. August 97.
18 ROUNDHOUSE
 Photo by Jim Odell










































































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