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 - Base Assembly 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
Steps 2 & 3 - Roller Stand, Motor & Lower Drive Shaft Steps 2 & 3 involve assembling the Roller Stand, the Lower Motor and Drive Shaft as well as installing the Platform w/Stairs. Its pretty basic construction, and painting is done as needed when building.
Thanks for posting all this; it is a big project. I know absolutely nothing about a steel mill, so I will get to see the parts of it and the machinery.
It sure is a big project lol. After this one is done, I will be building the Blast Furnace/Blower Engine House combination as well as the Coke Oven & Quencher Tower kits, so watch for those sometime after this one is finished
Steps 4 & 5 - Upper Motor & Drive Shaft 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 6 & 7 - Roller Conveyors & Platform Handrails Steps 6 & 7 are to assemble the Roller Conveyors and the Platform Handrails, pretty self explanatory lol
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
Trucklover, thanks for sharing your Hugh build. I've never built one of Walthers large structure kits or a steel Mill so it will be interesting to follow. Good luck and I look forward to your progress:thumbs_up:
Thanks Sub 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
