A Modern Coal Loading Silo

[emdsd90mac]

Hi all! Been toying around with this for a little while now and finally got it work in the game. It's none animated at the moment so you won't be able to load trains with it once it's done. I am still working on the texturing but I think it's coming along well. Input please. This is only part of the model, the rest will be separate sections but, once complete should resemble a more modern day coal loading facility like those seen in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming and elsewhere I'm sure.

[Bananarama]

Could you post a photo of a side-by-side loading silo? I don't believe I've ever seen one.

[emdsd90mac]

Actually, I don't believe they exist and in reading your comment I realized I did assemble my model incorrectly. I guess I got too caught up in the building process. Some minor re-arranging of pieces parts and I'll have this fixed. I am using this photo as my example. And I will be working on the supports and conveyor system as well to make this a more complete facility.

[emdsd90mac]

Conveyor Belt is coming, I will be working on it this week and working on bettering the textures of the silo too.

[Bananarama]

That looks like Black Thunder West...If not, then it's definitely somewhere along the PRB. Make your silo opening 12' wide x 15' high, and then proportion the rest of the model to the picture. Here's a close-up of the silo at Belle Ayr just up the road from Black Thunder:

[emdsd90mac]

Thanks Hack! I was just looking up some actual dimensions but i didn't have the the opening sizes, so this will help tremendously!!

[Bananarama]

The measurements are my best guess - the EPA is fairly strict on the dust, so the smallest opening makes sense (to me), which barely clears the sides and roof of a locomotive.

[emdsd90mac]

Hack, thanks again for the info. I have started over on my silo project and I am using the Belle Ayr mine as my model. The photo you posted and Google Earth are coming in handy and my project is moving right along.

[BNSFdude]

The measurements are my best guess - the EPA is fairly strict on the dust, so the smallest opening makes sense (to me), which barely clears the sides and roof of a locomotive.

I have a couple horns that happened to be unlucky enough to visit the PRB.

[emdsd90mac]

All right, I though I would post a pic of the progress so far. I am getting close to the texturing stage

[Bananarama]

I have a couple horns that happened to be unlucky enough to visit the PRB.

Clogged or damaged from impact?

[BNSFdude]

I have a couple horns that happened to be unlucky enough to visit the PRB.

Clogged or damaged from impact?

Chipped bells. I managed to reweld a new fabricated flare onto the bells though and grind the TIG weld to be flush again. Can barely tell it was broke! Grain Elevators are a good cause of horn amputation too.

[emdsd90mac]

I will be working on this project as much as possible all this weekend and over the holidays too. I don't want to commit to a date just yet but, I will say soon.

[emdsd90mac]

Been working feverishly on this project and thought I would give you all an updated preview. Hope you all like it. And don't worry, it's not going to be one big model.

[Bananarama]

Very nice!