mcb

Hello again,

This model was pretty far along before I decided to post it. 

I used photos to make a sketch to build from. Since it appeared to me that the hull form resembled an elongated harbor tug boat I used a hull from a Noch n scale tug boat to help determine the shape of the bow.

However after building the engine room house I did not like the proportions and scrapped it and the hull.

This project is primarily styrene, I will try to list all the detail parts before the log ends.

Here is the current state of the model along with the old and the longer new hull. The deck houses just positioned for show and need more fitting.

Please excuse the cell phone photos and the disgraceful mess of a work bench.

Thanks,

MCB

Hello all,

This log is for a floating grain elevator as could be seen in New York harbor in the early 20th century. 

These self propelled grain elevators were used to transfer grain from barges to freighters in various locations around the harbor rather than directly from a large elevator on shore.  Freighters would presumably fill 'unsold' hold space with this bulk cargo.

I became aware of this subject through my interest in railroad activities in New York harbor up until the '60's although these grain elevators were independently operated.

I was unable to find as much information (drawings) of these floating elevators as I would have liked but I enjoy building (model railroad subjects) from photos in styrene. 

I was not sure if this log should be in 1901- present but but the sister elevator to 'Isis', 'Themis' was supposed to have been built in 1898.

There is some information and color photos in the book "New York Harbor Railroads in Color" Vol.2  Thomas R. Flagg pgs. 20-21.

The photos below are from NPS / William W Barry Jr.  (Steamtown N.H.S.  DL&W RR glass plate negative collection )

'Isis' is between two grain barges, unloading them and sending grain down its chutes to a freighter.

I have already built approximations of those two barges.

Any info about these grain elevators or any rail /marine operations would be appreciated.

I will post photos of the current state of the model following this.

Thanks,

MCB

Hello all,

I am a model railroader who stumbled onto this site looking for ship fittings.  I found that I could not stop looking through the incredible work here.  

My train layout has been getting dusty.

I am currently building model railroad related equipment and vessels (all in 1:160) for New York harbor pre '60's.  On my bench now is the floating grain elevator 'Isis'.

It is being built from photos in styrene.  I hope to start a build log for it soon, if there would be interest in such an ungainly tub. It certainly would be unique.

And of course at the last train show I attended I could not walk by a table where there was an old ('80's ?) AL Bluenose II  at a price not to be refused, naturally missing the instructions.  I have the hull done on that but I am told I must get going on the NY harbor things first.

Sorry I did not join in sooner.

I've been hanging around for months.

Thanks,

MCB

Hi Ken,

This is great. I am interested in (and working on) NY harbor scenes especially Harlem Transfer/ DL&W facilities.  I have seen your post above for the stick lighter.

Please keep the pics coming.

I cannot believe I missed this as I have been hanging around here for months.

Thanks,

MCB