Roo keep up the great work. I will be watching what you accomplish as well as copying your ideas.

I'm lucky as my son is helping with the layout and he is building the blast furnace. i will do the rolling mill. we are lucky as we have 2 lasers as well as a 3d printer. he is also going to start working on the ingot mold as well as the flat cars to carry them.

Nice!  If it was easy, everybody would have one!

Dave

That's a good looking layout. It looks like the wait will be worth it for the rest of us.

Fantastic Roo! 

I will eagerly follow your progress.   Perhaps you can add dimensions?

thanks

Thanks everyone for their kind words. Sure I can add some dimensions BRADA, but not for a couple of days. Most of today was spent measuring the space, the track, the cars that will be using the furnace, MTH and Lionel Slag cars are both different sizes this is important to keep in mind, anyway, the whole pouring floor is now in the computer and my friend is working on a CAD drawing at the present time. to me the Pouring floor and the position of the pillars supporting it is one of the most important to get right as this is the basis for the whole thing. Now I must make this clear my friend and I are not Steel Mill experts and our mill is not based on any mill anywhere, it will look the same or similar but is strictly freelance. If anyone wanted to build a furnace in O scale the measurements that I will give is for a freelance blast furnace in O scale nothing more, just had to make that clear! A couple of things I wanted with the Blast furnace was five tracks starting from left to right, two on one side (One for storage) for slag cars, two underneath that are capable of holding two MTH bottle cars on each track, and one further track for slag on the other (Right) side this is important for me as the layout is an operating layout and we want to deal with four pours per session. Each Hot Metal train will have one locomotive a spacer car (Old AHM Gondola) and two MTH bottle cars OR three Lionel bottle cars. The Slag trains will have one locomotive either with six MTH slag cars OR four DOUBLE Lionel slag cars (I joined two Lionel slag cars together to make these) as I felt the MTH looked so much bigger or the Lionel looked so much smaller so a double Lionel filled the roster just nice. I could talk all night about cars I use for this project there are many but lets not get to carried away even though it's taken three years to get this far it's still early days. Keep in mind this is just one way of building a O scale Steel mill there are lots of good modellers that have built mills a lot better than mine will be Dave for instance has a beautiful Blast Furnace in O scale right here on the website with some great photos. 

Definition of an Operating session.

An operating session goes all day , five hours running trains, two hours eating drinking and talking every Friday. I spend the Thursday checking the paper work and printing it out, cleaning and checking Locos and staging the layout and maybe cleaning some track. I also provide the food and drinks.  No wonder I need to get away now and again!! It's still fun I love it and the operators do to. Hooroo from Roo.

Roo,

Have you installed Kadees on the slag and bottle cars?  Mario has an interesting setup.  I was curious how you might have tackled it.

Too bad we don't live closer!

Dave

I had a fella convert my mth slag and hot metal cars to 2r with Kadee.    The mth cars are too large, I may get the new Lionel and convert as their size is more accurate.

You are doing a beautiful job. Everything looks great.

I need an excuse to travel to WA. 

Dave. I have converted all my rolling stock myself the one thing I haven't converted yet is the Lionel bottle cars to Kadees the trucks I have two railed I would dearly love to get some Kadee spacers from Mario if he makes them.

The way I was going to approach the Lionel Bottle cars is similar to the way I converted the Atlas SW locomotives and that is making a plate with four holes two threaded for the couplings the other two using ordinary holes and the Atlas screws but with the Bottle cars I was going to drill and tap the metal car screw the spacer then drill and tap for the Kadee coupler. here is my adapter for the Kadees to SW locomotives and here is a eight wheeler bottle car fitted with Kadees I have not painted that yet it's still brand new. I would like to buy Mario's adapters but have trouble reading his website maybe I need more practice trying to do to many things at once! Thanks Roo.

Hey Max, if you ever come over make it a Friday! (operating day)

Lousy photos sorry. Should have checked them out first, the number on the plate disregard it's just something from my long ago engineering days when you numbered everything, old habits are hard to break but I'm trying!  Have to go out the wife is yelling at me to get off the computer!  Thanks everyone for the kind words now it's down to the Shopping centres for Christmas shopping which I detest (Not Christmas... shopping!) at this time of the year. Should just give her my wallet and stay home. Roo.

Friday it is. 

Roo

I studied books on steel mills for a long time before I was able to construct a steel mill. It is a massive project and there is a tremendous amount of equipment involved. A train layout has very limited space for a structure like this. Take your time so you capture the concept of a steel mill. 

Since there is not a construction deadline or a bonus/penalty clause for construction, take as much time as you like and enjoy every minute of constructing the mill.

Alan Graziano

I have some sizes, keep in mind this is to fit the space on the layout, the side elevation of the furnace is only to scale in height the width has been compressed because we don't have an A3 printer so we can only print on A4 size sheets if I had plenty of money I would buy an A3 printer instead of a loco! Please excuse the dreadful way I have posted the basic plans as I can't work out how to post PDF files here maybe you can't. Sizes are Metric sorry. Slag car ladle is MTH as it's bigger than the Lionel. Blast furnace is based on one from Beth steel works. Roo.

Alan.

You must have posted your message at the same time I posted the basic plans. Wise words indeed and thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to post that most helpful advice.

I have never built a Steel mill but so far I have been working on this project for three years and only in the last three months have been seriously thinking about the Blast furnace. I have built up an enormous amount of literature in that time including all the books from Morning Sun, I like to try and do as much research as possible myself first, then when I get stuck on something I have to call in the experts which is not yet I hope! I'm laughing. I don't like to annoy people or use them to get what I want it's just not the Aussie way of doing things we like to battle along and enjoy the ride but you can be sure if I do get stuck I will be asking questions in the mean time I am trying to finish the highline section for tomorrows running session and of course clean up the room where I have been working.

Thanks again Alan and everyone.

Roo.

Roo 

if in cm, how high, wide and long are these drawings?   I cannot tell on my device.

100mm = 10cm

High 87cm from railhead

Length 110cm

Width 47cm

These measurements are not set in stone and there are many other lengths, widths, heights, I haven't mentioned also don't forget there is a large blower house and other cylinders pipes etc involved. These measurements and plan are only for the blast furnace which includes the pouring floor. Please read what I said about 12 messages back about how this is a freelance project to suit our needs on the Yulan Valley Railroad.

If anyone is really honest about building a blast furnace similar to this you can email me offline and I will sent you the PDF files in an email to you I can't help you much more than that at the moment and if you do receive the files I will expect you to use them for your own use only and not to print them in any journal or forum I am hoping anyone will honour that if they don't I can't do much about it as they are not copyright I hope you will do the right thing. Thanks Roo.

neville-1234@bigpond.com

Friends. lets forget about the furnace for a moment and get back to the Highline.  A small crane (on rails) for shifting materials is next in line. Goodnight, Roo.

Another excellent build, Roo.

Had a lousy day yesterday but managed to put together some cardboard mock ups of the Furnace and the blower house so now I need the styrene sheet and I'm away! I'm feeling better today so I hope some progress will be made. Thanks for looking.  Roo.

Roo any more progress on the blast furnace?

Fantastic Roo AWESOME BUILD!

Steel mill Update.

I have just had one small part of my family who live in England living with us for the last three weeks included in the group was two mischievous young boys so yes you guessed it nothing was done in that time.

Before the family arrived four large sheets of styrene 2 of 2mm and 2 of 3mm 2400X1200 were delivered and I proceeded to cut them up to the sizes I wanted for the pouring floor walls the blast furnace walls and the blower house that is as far as I have got at the moment. If the weather remains cool (unusual for this time of the year!) over the next couple of weeks I have a walk planned for down south along the coast between Walpole and Denmark in West Australia look it up if your interested, that will take me away from home for maybe 10 days or more depending on how hot it gets and how far I want to go so if that happens modelling will come to a standstill I repeat this will only happen if the weather stays cool no fun walking in sand hills and low scrub with limited shade in high   temperatures, one thing you can be sure of I won't let this "last great project" slip away it will get done. I will keep you informed on the progress. Roo. Photo: No people, no houses, only snakes and kangaroos the way I like it!

Sounds good, Roo. 

Did that lamp turn up?

Cheers

Max.  Sorry didn't get back to you see above the first paragraph.

"Did that lamp turn up"? YES!! it did!! and a great job you made of it thank you very much now all I have to do is make another dozen or so and the layout will have some working lights for the first time ever. Margaret and myself are slowly getting the house back the way it was before the visitors, the train room was a storage facility for the last three weeks (under the layout) almost there maybe another day and we can relax a bit. I'm tired I want to go to bed but the neighbours are having a party and we are invited it's either go and have a few beers or stay home and put up with the noise. I'll go. Roo.

No worries, Roo.  Good on yer.

We've just got back from the fireworks and a pub dinner and are about to crash.

Happy New Year!

I made a sign today . Cyrus S Eaton would have been proud of it!

It lifts of so I can paint it and the roof...one day. Roo.

Looking Good Nev!

Simon

Thanks Simon It was sweltering today in the garage 39deg or 101deg, I think I got that right, it was hot anyway looks like a long, late, hot, summer for Perth.

I was only working out there because I wanted to make up three brass (easy to bend) brackets to hold the sign on the roof. At least when I paint everything  they will be dry in an hour! Here is a new photo of the Wharf at waterside.Nev.

Nice steel mill work! For plans of steel mill rolling stock, see my articles in the current issues of O Scale Trains. Several scrap gons, flats, ingot cars and soon a hopper and a scale test car. All are from Kaiser Steel in Fontana, California. That was one of my favorite places to haunt when I lived out there.

Tom

Thanks Tom.

I have been keeping up with your articles and find them very interesting well done mate!

The Blast Furnace building is missing at the moment It's sitting on the bench I have actually made a start on the Blast Furnace, for how long I don't know I have not been well lately and it's a struggle to get things done, I just can't settle down on any one project and I have lots of them anyway at least a start is better than a stop so I will keep going and try not to look back you can't change the past but you can the present. The photo shows the space left where the Blast furnace goes it also shows some of the specialised rolling stock that is needed for a Steel Mill. Roo.

Roo,

I am fascinated by your work and I love following along. I can only imagine how much planning and construction is involved, I look forward to the next edition !

Eliot "Scrapiron" Scher

Thanks Scrapiron! (Eliot)

We needed some more hoppers for next Friday's session I found some basket case one's in the garage just fitting them up with trucks and couplers right now. (having a break on the computer) More photos soon.

Roo.

Hi Everybody.

This Friday we are having our weekly operating day if you can make it your welcome.

If your thinking of dropping in here are the Steel Mill train orders read carefully across the top line to see what goes where and when. I admit we don't always use American terminology sometimes a few English/Australian words creep in.

I am going to change the Highline approach tracks and replace a turnout with a double slip to give more flexibility to the Highline traffic this will probably not happen for about a month but it will happen.

The Blast furnace is still moving along slowly I have modified the building itself and added a few windows the actual barrel part of the furnace I have come up with an idea how to build it but not saying anything more about it till I see if it will work so far I have not seen anyone use this method having said that there are probably lots of O scale mills builders that have used the method of building that I am going to try so no bragging. I hope that modellers gain something from my methods of building as I am just an average modeller with no real skills just an eye for what I want and a passion to do it so if I can build something anyone can I don't include a lot of detail in my models maybe I'm lazy but the truth is I don't like spending endless hours on building, I'm more an operator than a modeller I just like switching trains always have since I was 5 years old when I first had blocks of wood with "Nugget" shoe polish tins for wheels and pushing them into sidings marked in the dirt of course living almost next to a railway Station watching the trains switch cars helped, see you on Friday be there or be square. Roo.

Here is the double slip sitting on top of the original tracks which when in place any of the curved yard tracks in the background will be able to serve any of the highline tracks. The weed covered track on the left will become a useful storage track. AAAHH, hingsight is a wonderful thing! Roo. (disregard everything else in the photo we were planning!)

Sign me UP! Ill be There.....     

OK we start at 10-00 AM seing you haven't run a train before on the yulan valley I will work with you you can have a locomotive and be the engineer I will be the switchman. We will be working the yard at Bay Ridge together at times you are flat out then comes periods of inaction where you can check out what the other blokes are doing but don't distract them from their jobs. To put you into the picture here are three pictures I just snapped to study, so you will be right for Friday. The first is the engine house, the second is the yard, and the third is the yard panel. the push buttons work the turnouts the switches the isolating sections as it's all DC. Any Questions?

 Roo.

Well... Not much happening here about layouts all the talk seems to be about new and old O scale maybe I should have started with three rail track those Hi Rail blokes seem to enjoy themselves more than us elderly "Serious Rivet Counting" 2 railers! 

So after that if anyone is interested here are a couple of photos I snapped this morning after yesterday's operation session which went very well even had Apple pie and ice cream for lunch dessert!

Those Atlas SW switchers continue to give great service and I like them so Much I bought another two off ebay in the last week since I have been home probably won't be able to afford any food for a couple of weeks but it will be worth it, I will paint them blue modify the cab roofs put some flashing lights on them and they will be hauling all kinds of cars at the Mill soon. My work is not all Steel Mill work I still work on the short line adding details here and there as a break from the heavy stuff. I also bought a new book about Steel mills if the photo on the front cover is anything to go by this book will be a winner Ghost Railroads Vol X.

The photos are from around the Steel mill section which is all in various stages of construction one day it will all come together the important part is it's all working, the scenery is secondary, it brings a lot of joy to the four blokes that run it and that's what it's all about trying to make our life better and being happy we have accomplished that if nothing else. Take care. Roo.

Nev, I feel like one of the lucky blokes just being able see your layout here on this site. . It's come such a Long way from the float bridge and cement crane days. 

The mill installments are fantastic mate!

Wish I was there to run it with you guys.

Pierre.

Nice work, mate!

You might consider having a few very dusty center flow cars on the property.   As a boy I remember seeing dusty white 3 or 4 pocket Reading center flow cars being unloaded at the BOF (basic oxygen furnace) at the Bethlehem Steel.

Don't know what was in them, I suspect pulverized lime/dolomite.

Roo, 

How spectacular 

Thank you all for the kind comments.

Rob. Centre flows I'm interested. I have a few of those, thought I'd never use them I must find a photo, I will study my books more closely!! Always looking for new traffic.

Pierre. You have already visited the layout in 3D form remember that photo a few years back if I come across it I will post it I'm afraid my photo files are a complete mess! 

Erik. One day I will buy a decent camera!  Your photos are the best I have seen on the forums and I have been around for a long time. Thank You. 

roo.

Here is class leader #1 first of six. The headlights on the rear a little bright going to half them, the light on the top flashes, headlight on front just right, ordered some new LED's for the rear hopefully not as bright. The windows will be blanked off, maybe only one side, and a bloke with the controls in his hands on the front as it's summertime handrails applied. Then the decals,  Republic Steel and Remote control, and a number, are finished waiting. This is a combined effort Bruce Temperley and myself, Bruce is a good friend and operator he does the electronics we are both learning. Roo.

What a great work! very impressive! it's huge!!! 

jpv in France

Very impressive, Roo! Trust me, you 2-rail blokes are just as welcome (and important) here as any other group, and I know that the vast majority of us enjoy seeing the handiwork of ALL O gauge and O scale hobbyists--2-rail, 3-rail, and narrow gauge.

Thank You Allan for the kind words. In return I enjoy this forum not just the 2-rail section but all the forums here, These forums are great for O scale in all forms may it continue for many more years. There are no O gauge 3-rail layouts where I live and very few if any USA O Scale 2-rail layouts apart from my own so the forums here fill in for what I am missing out on.

jpv.  The mill is getting bigger everyday! Thanks.

Roo.

Finally decided to get the crane built for the Rolling Mill. Need plenty of clamps!  Roo.

Well the gantry is finished now for the crane.

The Rolling Mill building is unique it is made up out of a mixture of wood and styrene the wood keeps the costs down.

Here is a photo of a clown holding the building showing how strong he is!  And here it is back on the layout ready for Friday. One day it will all be painted and detailed.

Roo.

Bejeebers, Roo!  That's a lump of a building!

Keep on keepin' on!  Looks great!

When you decide to build a O Scale Steel mill you better be prepared for some large buildings ! (Ask Dave) 

All mine have to be built on all sides as I can't place them against the wall anywhere so I can't make any flats.

Buy plenty of Styrene, 3mm MDF, wood shapes and wood and styrene glue. Having a lot of patience helps to.

Now to prepare the layout for tomorrows session.

Thanks fellas. Roo.

Very interesting thread WOW incredible pictures.I don't see many with all Steel Mill layouts  like myself.Keep up the good work.Nick

We had a great session today unfortunately very few photos were taken not enough time!

Here are a couple of photos of Bayridge yard with Roo in charge of the yard it was busy most of the time, lots of trains coming and going.

One day like a huge "jack in a box"  A.......Blast furnace! Will spring out of this building.

I'm working on it. Roo.

Thanks for posting. That looks fantastic!!!! I love how the building makes the cars look so small, i can't wait to see it finished. You have me inspired now start my steel mill buildings.

Marty.

Because my main interest in Model Railroads is operation or just plain switching trains I have chosen to build the main parts of the Mill which for me are more suited for operation and movement, after all ,this whole thing was inspired from the MR article in Nov 1950 I have the mag, when I was looking for ways to stop handling endless cars on and off the layout I found the Steel mill was the way to go. The parts I have chosen to build are Blast Furnace, Foundry and Rolling Mill. I have left out the Slab mill and Open-Hearth furnace and substituted the Foundry to receive scrap and produce slabs maybe I use the word Foundry wrong maybe I should call it an Open-hearth furnace who cares, they are only words I know what I have!

I did write about your castings and service here at the OGR forum don't know if you saw it, I am not the type of person that hands out praise lightly, but you deserved it they are good. I know you are a busy man please try and do more items soon I will buy them.   

Roo.

Roo yes I saw the post and I do appreciate your comments as we do try to ship quickly and always pack the item as one customer stated for Armageddon. We are trying to make details that are needed for O Scale that no one else has. trust me as we are building a layout that will feature a large steel complex as well as a large coal mine there are many items that will be needed for both of these. we are also working on details for engine houses, gas stations( already have eco meter and old style electric welder and a lighted gas pump) 3 sizes of propane bottles, and much more. we have also taken on the complete line of Arttista figures with all items in stock, and Monday will be placing our order for Micro-enginering  track. We also handle everything that Walther's carries and can combine orders on all the above.

So bear with us as we have BIG plans for 2017 but we need to get caught up from the O scale show in Chicago and the preparation for the Strasburg show. After that watch for many further items that should interest you and many others. Again thanks for the complements we do appreciate them greatly.

I built a stairway today. Then I ran out of angle strips and had to stop keep my fingers crossed someone in Perth will have the strips otherwise it's all stop and no go. One day I might be able to afford to place a large order from the US for Evergreen shapes just one of the hassles of scratch building on a budget, stopping and starting. Be nice to have one of those large stands full of strips that the hobby shops have. I'll get there. Roo.

Man this thing is cooking. Expect to see sparks, smoke, and workers come out sweating. Excellent build. Do you plan on having any animations, or smoke?

This is amazing! You do great work and bring artistry to the hobby.

Thanks for the kind words.

I have it ready for paint because where it's going you won't be able to paint it afterwards.

Roo.

Dave.

No animations or smoke but lots of lights.

It's a long way off yet I thought I would build the stairs now, because either, I'm getting old and cranky or they were extremely difficult to build, maybe it's a mixture of both! 

Roo.

Great looking stuff. I always enjoy seeing your modeling posts.

Roo, those stairs are NICE! 

Dan Weinhold

Fantastic work, Neville.

Roo,

the stairtower is looking good.

alan graziano

Thank you for the kind remarks they help me a lot.

Due to the enormity of this project (for me anyway) I have decided not to post anymore photos or reports on the forum at the present time. I am not upset with anybody I am just trying to lessen the load so to speak the less distractions the better. What I am disappointed in is that I sent a number of emails to certain gentlemen on the internet (No one here) about plans and information and made it clear I was prepared to pay for any costs involved with no questions asked and never received one reply not even to say we don't do that anymore, nothing. So I decided to go alone and design my own blast furnace I scoured the internet and bought up virtually every book I could lay my hands on about modelling the steel industry including long out of print Dean Freytag's books, all the Morning sun books the Ghost rail books anything and everything I could lay my hands on copied photos from the internet filed them neatly in folders had my good friend draw up some basic CAD drawings and started, I am about half way there with a "Made in Australia" American blast furnace.

When the Furnace is finished I estimate it will have costs me at least $2500 probably more, without my labour costs. I have bought endless Evergreen/Plastruct packets and of course I would not mentioned how much the above books have cost and the shipping. Do I regret starting this project? NO I don't, I have found it to be one of my best modelling projects ever and I enjoy every minute of it even when I dropped the superstructure off the furnace onto the floor six feet down onto a concrete floor and destroyed it, I just sat down stunned for an hour and started again this time more carefully.

Keep in mind I don't have the Skills and resources that Dave and Alan but they had to start somewhere once to I just started late! I'm just a average modeller who won't give up easily.

That's all I have to say one day you will see the results.

Thanks.

Roo.

What you have done so far is excellent, Roo. 

WOW!

Roo i for one can hardly wait to see the finished mill. I think you are too hard on yourself when it comes to the quality of your modeling skills. I always look forward to see what you have done and the tips you have passed on in here and at OST over the years. Just keep plugging along and you will have something that many just dream about.

also if there is anything we can help you with we have 2 members in our club that have years of working in steel mills in youngstown ohio. there is a video of their workmanship posted on you tube under youngstown nodel railraod association steel mill job. they have been invaluable in what we are bringing to market.

Roo posted:

Thank you for the kind remarks they help me a lot.

Due to the enormity of this project (for me anyway) I have decided not to post anymore photos or reports on the forum at the present time. I am not upset with anybody I am just trying to lessen the load so to speak the less distractions the better. What I am disappointed in is that I sent a number of emails to certain gentlemen on the internet (No one here) about plans and information and made it clear I was prepared to pay for any costs involved with no questions asked and never received one reply not even to say we don't do that anymore, nothing. So I decided to go alone and design my own blast furnace I scoured the internet and bought up virtually every book I could lay my hands on about modelling the steel industry including long out of print Dean Freytag's books, all the Morning sun books the Ghost rail books anything and everything I could lay my hands on copied photos from the internet filed them neatly in folders had my good friend draw up some basic CAD drawings and started, I am about half way there with a "Made in Australia" American blast furnace.

When the Furnace is finished I estimate it will have costs me at least $2500 probably more, without my labour costs. I have bought endless Evergreen/Plastruct packets and of course I would not mentioned how much the above books have cost and the shipping. Do I regret starting this project? NO I don't, I have found it to be one of my best modelling projects ever and I enjoy every minute of it even when I dropped the superstructure off the furnace onto the floor six feet down onto a concrete floor and destroyed it, I just sat down stunned for an hour and started again this time more carefully.

Keep in mind I don't have the Skills and resources that Dave and Alan but they had to start somewhere once to I just started late! I'm just a average modeller who won't give up easily.

That's all I have to say one day you will see the results.

Thanks.

Roo.

Roo,

I will see if I can find the diagram I used for my blast furnace.  It had diameters at certain elevations.  My furnace body is the second one I built so I know all about frustration.  I also dropped the catwalk structure for my hoist too.....

Your facility is turning out much nicer than mine.  I would be happy to share any techniques and materials that I used.

Keep on keepin' on!!!!!

Dave

Roo,

That is a good looking building and I love the high line. I know nothing about steel mills but I am following your build just because it looks like fun (lots of hard work too).

Malcolm

Average modeller? No, no, excellent modeller!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jpv in France

Roo,

Having grown up in St. Louis, Mo, I passed Scullen Steel, Banner Ironworks, and Corondolet Foundry everyday for decades until they shut down. No two looked alike, and I can say with confidence that your design is as good as, if not better, than what was actually built. Hang in there.

Roo:

I think when you get done with the steel mill it is going to be as large as my entire layout! You are an excellent scratch builder - keep it up.

With respect to your comment about obtaining plastic in Australia, I have some customers there and in New Zealand who have expressed the same thoughts. I asked one of my suppliers why they don't supply plastic in Australia, the basic answer was shipping and customs fees made it extremely difficult to be cost effective. Best thought I can give is to collect all your railroading buddies and see if you all can combine for one big order. If the order is big enough you can always ask for a discount.

Good Luck

Joe

Lookin fab Roo! Keep em rollin !

Just a quick update to says thanks to everyone you are all good blokes. 

And a photo. Skip machinery house, (working out the sizing was a nightmare no drawings) a couple of small maintenance cranes, the stairs and framework sitting in the HOT West Australian sun not all those parts are painted properly just the areas I can't get to after they are assembled.

I don't call in much at the moment so any questions maybe would be better later.

Thanks again. Roo.

Some propah modelling there, Roo. 

Just a quick update on the Steel mill.

Just finishing off a small crane for the highline, the furnace is going real well and another box of ingot moulds arrived on the stage coach just this morning from Marty everything is starting to fall into place, I'm happy with my modelling, disappointed with some comments about me on another forum but that's life can't please everyone I won't play their silly game. I'm still here at OGR. Thanks for looking. Roo.

Nev,

Looking good! Fantastic work as always, ignore the negativity, you are one the finest and most creative modellers I know

Colin

Just wonderful! 

jpv in France

Fabulous progress!

keep up your mastery 

A very impressive project ROO, and your many years at model building definitely shows in this effort. Well done mate.

Bob

Roo I've enjoyed following this project.  Glad to hear the build brings you joy and that although difficult it has not become a burden for you.  Don't sell your modelling talent short, you're doing a smashing job.

Roo posted:

.........disappointed with some comments about me on another forum but that's life can't please everyone I won't play their silly game. 

Huh? 

Nice crane; looking forward to seeing more of how it all fits together into the layout space.

Roo posted:

I'm happy with my modelling, disappointed with some comments about me on another forum but that's life can't please everyone I won't play their silly game. I'm still here at OGR. Thanks for looking. Roo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roo, I think your modeling is dynamite(just don't get that too close to the blast furnace). I don't know how anyone can criticize what all here have said is fantastic looking in our eyes, let alone anything else you have taken the time to make. If they persist on being a banana head, you could always block them(or don't and not give them that satisfaction they want). Keep up the great work, we all love it. Can't wait to see more.

Very impressive, Neville! 

Your work continues to inspire. 

George

I like how the lacy details built up on the crane. Looks like great stuff to me. I have a large coal mine structure to build and seeing your project is an inspiration.

ROO:

Beautiful work.

Joe

Roo posted:

..... disappointed with some comments about me on another forum but that's life can't please everyone I won't play their silly game. I'm still here at OGR. Thanks for looking. Roo.

 

 There is a guy who makes rude comments to me on another forum. The first forum he started on, kicked him off. The next one, closed or sold and changed format, he isn't allowed on another forum, so finally he followed me here. He starts off asking questions, and then uses any info against me or MTH he gets.

He even donated money to a forum to help him look better. So they edited his posts for him. He just is not smart enough on his own.

 I can't believe guys like that are out there. I guess no one ever beat the snot out of him yet? Maybe they did and he lost (rare) brain cells?

 You can only push someone so far. Everyone has their line that shouldn't be crossed. But life is not worth the hastle of confronting every idiot. As much as I can, I turn the other cheek. I can't tell you how many idiots are ready to fight about stupid stuff. If you are happy, it draws them out, as they are not.

That stinks ENGINEER-JOE, and you are probably right about the brain cells. It is unfortunate that some people can't differentiate between constructive criticism, opinions, and downright rudeness. As many great elders have said(whether mom, dad, grandparents, etc.), "if you don't have nothing nice to say, don't say anything."

Everyone has probably met one of these types, and it is annoying when they just won't keep their heckling(or whatever you want to call it) to themselves. Never let them deter you from what you want to accomplish.

I just wish I had the modeling skills to do these things(time would be nice too). Maybe one day I'll get there and be able to post some nice things like this that I would build on my own from scratch.

# ROO  #.... Marvelous work sir. Amazinng, and I cannot get over the work on the steel mill... You inspire so many.... I only wish I could help you with shipping from the United States..... I get lots of parts, it's you skill that I dearly am at a loss.. lol

Thanks again sir! YOU are Appreciated. 

After the second flight of stairs, my patience would run out and I'd build an elevator instead.

Fantastic work, Roo.  Always worth coming back to check out the progress.

Bruce

Excellent building, as usual Roo.

That wanker wouldn't last five minutes on my forum.

An update on the furnace.

Nothing is finished (I wish it was!) lots more to come, been tied up for a couple of days renovating Old Weaver hoppers I found on that other place needed these hoppers for the mill as during all this turmoil I still try to have a run session every week.

I hate myself for saying this, please don't ask me any questions yet, one day I will answer everything about this project but at the moment I am a bit stressed out with a touch of the flu, still working but slowly, your a good bunch of blokes here, which is why I think you deserve an update every so often.

I have no intentions of detailing this model like Mr Freytag did, but I have both his books and lots of ideas still coming. next time you will see all the ovens, cyclone, scrubber, and gas cooler (they are all made) connected up along with the elevator and stairways etc etc etc........

This morning was great, at last the crane grab arrived from Germany, so I can actually finish something!

You know what the initials for West Australia are, WA....Wait Awhile.

Thank you. Roo

It's fantastic, Roo!

Great work! 

jpv in France

Roo,

you are succeeding in capturing the essence of a steel mill.

as long as you are happy with it, that's all that counts.

alan graziano

Just keeps getting more amazing with each update.

Roo posted:

Keep in mind I don't have the Skills and resources that Dave and Alan but they had to start somewhere once to I just started late! I'm just a average modeller who won't give up easily.

That's all I have to say one day you will see the results.

Thanks.

Roo.

Roo,

I don't know much about steel mills and blast furnaces, but I do have one tip for you:  If you can manage to please that Rossiter fellow, then none of the rest of it matters!

G'day from an OLD yankee,

Simon

Roo posted:

I hate myself for saying this, please don't ask me any questions yet, one day I will answer everything about this project but at the moment I am a bit stressed out with a touch of the flu, still working but slowly, your a good bunch of blokes here, which is why I think you deserve an update every so often.

Looking forward to that day - lots of great attention to detail!

Flu will drag you down, but if you can get up to do a bit of anything, the activity is good mental therapy - accomplishing something is positive!

Great looking work there Roo! Your moving right along. My whole life I thought WA stood for Washington State where I live! LOL

Excellent!

WOW!!!

It looks great ROO!

I have some photos from Yesterdays running session.

We had a great time lots of talking and eating. Oh! and we ran some trains as well! Grin. Roo.

More photos from yesterday for once I'm not in them! Ha Ha. Roo.

I put captions on the photos to explain what they where about but can't see them anywhere must have done something wrong. The three blokes in the photos all good friends of mine are Big John, Raoul, and Bruce. Bruce is the one with grey hair he does all the electrical and drawings OK, he also is wearing glasses

Sorry about the captions.   Roo. I think I have it worked out should have been under titles! maybe. Oh Well...

Nope that didn't work either. Maybe next time. At least the photos are there! Roo.

It really is a beautiful layout, Roo.

I had a look at the photo gallery, but I can't see where to add the captions.

I usually just type them in as I post.

I can be so rude sometimes or just plain forgetful.

Thanks everyone for the kind remarks and a special thank you for Alan it means a lot to me coming from the guru of styrene, has even managed to cheer me up  almost over the flu hope I didn't give it to the other blokes didn't seem to worry them they left me in the corner where the Rolling mill controls are away from everyone.

Roo.

Looks FANTASTIC Roo!!!!

Simon

Roo:

Excellent photos - beautiful structures.

Joe

Roo posted:

I can be so rude sometimes or just plain forgetful.

Thanks everyone for the kind remarks and a special thank you for Alan it means a lot to me coming from the guru of styrene, has even managed to cheer me up  almost over the flu hope I didn't give it to the other blokes didn't seem to worry them they left me in the corner where the Rolling mill controls are away from everyone.

Roo.

 

Roo That is fantastic love it.

That's outstanding work Roo!

We're in the middle of developing a steel mill complex for our club layout, which will contain many of the same components you've built: blast furnace, elevated dump trestle w/ adjacent dump yard, a re-heat building, rolling mill, and hopefully a place to dump slag.

I've been following your progress with great interest. Well done.

Roo posted:

I put captions on the photos to explain what they where about but can't see them anywhere must have done something wrong. The three blokes in the photos all good friends of mine are Big John, Raoul, and Bruce. Bruce is the one with grey hair he does all the electrical and drawings OK, he also is wearing glasses

Sorry about the captions.   Roo. I think I have it worked out should have been under titles! maybe. Oh Well...

 

Actually Roo, the comments are on the pictures. When you click up the picture to view them, it is at the bottom of the picture itself. I found that out earlier this week when I posted something. Looks fantastic, great work with a good bunch of friends. Keep up the great work.

First thanks everyone for the kind remarks and chris I would love to see some photos one day of your clubs Steel Mill.

During this project I have made many mistakes as I get a better understanding of a Steel mill I have made some small changes one was the front of the pouring floor building my inspiration came from STEEL MILL RAILROADS Vol 5 pages 93-94.

I had to rebuild the front of the building now I am happy with it here are before and after photos the "after" photos is the one with stairways. Still some details to be added but the main part is finished.

Roo, it seems like you and your mates really enjoy your operating sessions at the mill.  Therefore I declare your modelling efforts a total success regardless of what anyone says or thinks your mill is serving it's purpose.  Oh by the way I guess Raoul and Bruce are twins, gray hair, glasses

Thanks Coach Joe.

Raoul was originally from France and Bruce was from England ! Bruce is the taller bloke. Big John and myself were born in Australia. So we have a mix of nationalities!   We are all good friends that's what Model railroads are about. 

More photos soon. Roo.

will do Roo.

we have been laying out building footprints as well as lead tracks, dump trestle and yard. we also have to locate an access hatch in the benchwork since the mill is a background industry. at this point we are just starting the buildings.

Background: The Rolling mill line is a small Shortline line coming off the Republic Steel Mainline. It has three dead end spurs and one run around siding one spur leads to a boiler power house which needs coal the other two spurs run into the Rolling mill.

Here are a series of photos about switching the Rolling Mill it shows you don't need endless space to have fun with O scale.

The photos show an empty coil train being switched into the mill the run around track is small due to lack of space so any long train needs at least two moves the Coal train usually two to three hoppers are much easier to switch. there are other trains like ingots and slabs it can be very busy it is all self contained with it's own power supply and controller even a seat for the operator! It's a fun part of the layout when not busy the same operator runs the trains into and out of the furnace THAT is busy but one operator can handle it just don't fall asleep. Nothing is finished except the track and wiring still lots of details to be added one day... spent today rebuilding locomotives for the Steel mill. Love this Steel mill concept. Roo.

Very cool. Short line fun works. Maybe pop a tunnel or something to obstruct the view to make it look like it is coming from somewhere delivering to the mill if you want to create the illusion it is coming from afar.

Thanks dave.

This steel mill project is taking a long time, very slow progress, when you almost finish something you feel like celebrating, it's a long haul of many half finished models all at once, I have almost finished this Dust extractor and I finally painted the Pouring Floor building next are details and weathering (on the building) when I don't know.  Today I worked on some other items gluing lots of handrails to circular pieces handrails are everywhere on these things and stairs. The winter is starting here and with the cold comes health problems to cold to work at night in the workshop so I work on locomotives inside the house I know our winter is nowhere near America's and that's the problem with nine months of sunshine and hot weather, three months of cold and rain really gets into your joints, then again it could be just plain old fashioned Old Age! I'm laughing today was a bright sunny day. Roo.

It's been pouring all day here, Roo.

First Rate, Roo, First Rate.

I really like that Pouring Floor building, Roo... Hope the winter is not too cold "down under."

MELGAR

I hope it was pouring rain and not molten iron Max!

Thanks Clarence and Melgar. the good thing about our winter it never snows in Perth we sometimes get some snow down south in the Stirling Ranges on Bluff Knoll, google it if your interested, apart from that it's mostly rain and frosts. In our house in Perth we don't even have a heater just wear plenty of clothes but that way of thinking is changing as I get older I might have to buy a heater. More photos soon. Roo.

The steel mill project is coming along beautifully, Roo.

WOW this is really looking great. The only thing I can see wrong with this steel mill project is the location, it really needs to be in my layout room and not yours. Seriously tho, anyone would be proud to say they built this. Keep up the great work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Matt and Marty you made my day.

It sometimes gets frustrating working in an O scale wilderness, wishing I had more access to Plastruct parts would be my dream, when I can buy them direct it usually takes up to five weeks to arrive by then I have forgotten what I wanted them for, the good thing is I am actually making progress, slow progress, but progress. I have had to make the sad decision that I will not be able to build this project how I envisaged it originally, I will have to leave off a lot of details otherwise it will never be finished in my lifetime. From a distance I think it will look OK, up close not sure, lucky I have very few visitors that know about Steel mills! Now I'm laughing always a good sign. The photo shows eight locomotives in various stages of assembly they were all originally Atlas SW's with all the original electrics removed and our own modules fitted very simple as they are all DC with no sound except the flashing light all have LEDs not globes some have cut down roofs all will have a flashing red light on the roof and modified rear headlights they are painted Blue and I have made up decals for "Republic Steel" and "Remote Control"  I have modified some figures to represent the engineers with their remote control box in front of them some locos have the windows blanked out others don't, I'm just shooting in the dark here, building things how I like them I should have called the Mill "Aussie Steel" but I liked the word Republic it sounds more American no disrespect intended. That's the other side of the Rolling Mill if your wondering what that large building is. Roo. 

Hey Roo,

Here's a link to a couple of pictures of the railroad that served Republic Steel Cleveland (Ohio) Works.  It was called River Terminal.  I worked there from 1980 to 1982 in The Machine Shop just up the hill form the engine facility.   Your mill looks Awesome and inspired me to send you the link.   Keep up the Excellent work!! 

http://www.railpictures.net/sh...20Terminal%20Railway

Chief Bob (Retired)

Great Photos Thanks Chief Bob.

I like the colours of the buildings and the dark earth around the tracks something that I must do.

Thanks again. Roo.

Roo posted:

Matt and Marty you made my day.

It sometimes gets frustrating working in an O scale wilderness, wishing I had more access to Plastruct parts would be my dream, when I can buy them direct it usually takes up to five weeks to arrive by then I have forgotten what I wanted them for, the good thing is I am actually making progress, slow progress, but progress. I have had to make the sad decision that I will not be able to build this project how I envisaged it originally, I will have to leave off a lot of details otherwise it will never be finished in my lifetime. From a distance I think it will look OK, up close not sure, lucky I have very few visitors that know about Steel mills! Now I'm laughing always a good sign. The photo shows eight locomotives in various stages of assembly they were all originally Atlas SW's with all the original electrics removed and our own modules fitted very simple as they are all DC with no sound except the flashing light all have LEDs not globes some have cut down roofs all will have a flashing red light on the roof and modified rear headlights they are painted Blue and I have made up decals for "Republic Steel" and "Remote Control"  I have modified some figures to represent the engineers with their remote control box in front of them some locos have the windows blanked out others don't, I'm just shooting in the dark here, building things how I like them I should have called the Mill "Aussie Steel" but I liked the word Republic it sounds more American no disrespect intended. That's the other side of the Rolling Mill if your wondering what that large building is. Roo. 

 

Hello Roo. Fantastic work! I grew up about a mile from the Republic Steel plant in Warren, Ohio so I have an affinity for steel railroading. You are really capturing the essence of it. Keep it up!

A quick question on your method for repainting the SWs... What is your preferred method for stripping the paint from Atlas SWs and what paint did you use?

Thanks,

Jonathan

Nothing short of magnificent, Roo! Great stuff! Cheers!

Simon

Jonathan, Simon.

Thanks for the kind words. Just for that you get a couple of photos of the Blast furnace and pouring floor buildings painted. There are still more details to be added it seems to go on forever but I am now happy with the progress I wasn't last week but I was sick with the flu now I see it in a different way. we are having a running session this Friday your welcome. Roo.

Absolutely gorgeous! 

jpv in France

Waiting for the slag to come out, awesome ROO.

Thanks Dave and jpv.

I am getting ready for a running session tomorrow so I brought the bits and pieces of the Blast furnace in from the workshop to show off to the blokes when they arrive! In one photo you will see most of the Steel Mill, the Foundry, the Furnace, and the Rolling mill. It will be nice to run some trains instead of working on them! Thanks for looking. I left some details off the furnace just forgot them next time. Roo.

 once more!!!

jpv

very impressive. well done Roo !

Looks great. I would say once all the other things are done(scenery and such), you could take a sky view picture and compare to the real thing.

Thanks fellas!

Dave. Yes, once everything is painted properly and blended into the scenery things will start to look really good, that's the day I'm working towards! I am sending an order to Plastruct next week for parts to build the piping around the ovens for the hot and cold air.

Roo.

Cool ROO. Make sure you write down what the parts are for so when they get to you, you don't forget. Have a bulletin board handy? I know I forget, but usually it is the unimportant stuff I am trying to relay. Nothing more frustrating when you are trying to tell someone about a movie you say umpteen times and you forget the star. Other things I am like a walking encyclopedia, its just in there.

One thing I forgot to ask(see, told you, what was I saying), was if you were going to have smoke units, or any moving parts going about. I know the elevator(?) would be cool moving, but that is not easy to keep tabs on.

Roo,

One word - Incredible!

MELGAR

Thanks fellas.

I have been down in the dirt painting the ground around the furnace and the tracks, next job is something I hate, ballasting the turnouts, everything works at the moment we had a very good session yesterday but once dirt and glue start to encroach around the turnouts that's when your going to have problems maybe do a couple everyday so I don't tear what hair I have left out of my head. I have been using Tamiya Diorama Texture paint I bought a carton of the stuff real cheap the hobby shop said it's cheap because it's old and maybe dried up you take your chances with it but when I mixed it with water for a few minutes, well maybe 15 minutes, I tipped it into an old Baked Bean can and brushed it on no worries mate. it came up good, wait overnight till it dries to a matt finish. That freight house in the background is starting to annoy me it needs plenty of trucks and trailers with people everywhere, do something about it Roo, get off the computer and do it and put a sign on top of the building while your at it, it looks to bare. "But what about the Electrical sub station for the Steel mill I thought that was next" I give up, anyone want to buy a steel mill........

Roo.

Now that my wife Margie is on the mend I have had time to think about expansion of the Steel Mill (I haven't given up on the furnace just put it aside for a couple of weeks I am at the stage where I need some time to myself to concentrate on the piping with no distractions hard to do when the primary baby sitter in the family can't use her hands and has to rely on her husband to do everything that's me by the way !) after all the layout is about operation first scenery second.

Anyway changes. I have decided to install a small yard behind the Rolling Mill only three tracks but will provide some much needed storage for Ingot cars and maybe one track with empty Coil cars waiting their turn to be loaded it's all about movement that's my main aim keep those trains running around the mill.

In the photo you will see a spur track in Valley Forge has been lifted to make way for a large gantry crane spanning two tracks in the New yard the drawing shows the crane in Black. the track and turnouts are Peco because they are easy for me to buy. Take care crossing roads. Roo.

I was going to mention that to make way for the new yard I had to demolish some buildings this made me sad I liked this area all gone now.

I forgot to snap some large format photos before I ripped it out. compare it with the above photo. Roo

I continue to work on the small yard at the rear of the Rolling Mill. The track is down, feeders soldered and painted the Tortoise machines are in today My friend bruce is coming round to fit the relay board and join up all the wiring I will continue on and ballast the track. It's called progress! 

Soon I will start back onto the Furnace on the right of photo and sort out all the pipework.  Take care crossing roads. Roo.

Friends.

Bruce my friend and fellow operator has just finished the new Rolling Mill Control Panel. The new yard is on the left. The buttons work the turnouts and the switches are for isolating the tracks, we are dinosaurs still work on DC. Now to wire it to the layout.  Roo.

Talented friends can sometimes be in short supply when it comes time to lend a helping hand. Your fortunate Bruce is so capable and willing. He does the kind of job we all hope for. Looks great Nev.

Bob

Thanks Bob.

And to think I knocked him back the first time on the electrical when I first met him years ago. How wrong I would have been!

On my side of the project the track is down the feeders are in and the ballast is laid next up is the crane for lifting the covers off the ingots.

The new panel is installed and another day's work the turnouts for the new sidings on the left will be working.

Installing the new sidings has also opened up the possibility of expanding the Rolling Mill by adding a small annex at the siding end. One day it will all be painted and finished. See you next Friday for an operating session.

Take care crossing roads. Roo.

I Like this layout! all is said!

jpv in France, on the other side of the planet!

Thanks jpv.

Yes, West Australia is a long way from France next year when we come to the UK we are thinking of a non-stop flight 16-18 hours who knows might even drop over to Paris and have a look at the Tower! Never been to France...... yet.

Back to the Steel Mill. I have put the extension together using 3mm MDF it's quite a solid structure next up is the cladding for the walls and roof. Roo.

Looks absolutely beautiful

The scenery is not finished but everything else is .The stripper yard is fully operational track and electrical finished.

I made the Ingot buggies myself I wanted eight wheel cars not four as they travel all over the place and eight wheels run better than four only my opinion, they need numbers and weathering I ended up making 17 one extra in case I messed one up I didn't so I have one spare most of the ingot castings are from Marty at Scale City some are from Tom Yorke  wish Marty made more items for the Steel Mill does a good job they are nice items.

I have had some treatment on my back and can't do nothing except look for a couple of weeks hopefully It will be all right otherwise it's a major OP I suppose like everything things wear and have to be sorted out.  The furnace in the background has had no work done on it for a while. That's all I can offer at the moment but I'll get back into it soon, in the meantime I'll keep reading my Phantom comics and sleep..... isn't that what modellers do when their not modelling.

I did dig that red and white stuff out and built some stuff from the 50's at least it's O Gauge size and easier than the furnace!

Take care crossing roads.  Roo.

Wonderful work! 

One question: where did you get your bumping posts? Or are they home made?

Thanks

jpv in France

Nice progress Nev...no dust gathering on your workbench that's for sure. Take care of your back and make more railroad plans while your relaxing...all good looking so far.

Bob

Thanks for the kind words.

jpv: The Bumper posts are from Harbor Belt Lines. I wrote an article on them in OST #92 this year. Roo.

Roo (Nev),

You have a wonderful eye and your scenes ALWAYS look real. I can't accurately begin to describe how you pull it off every time, but your stuff just has "the look". I have the feeling that given the same materials as you, my result would not come off looking half as good! Some modelers scenes look contrived, while your work always looks real, even in preliminary and intermediate stages!

Please tell us about the red and white structures in the last image....they are interesting!

Cheers,

Simon

Thanks, Roo

jpv