Scratchbuild a large-scale grain elevator

I scratchbuilt a large-scale grain elevator in 1:29 scale using PVC pipes, PVC boards, and styrene.

three pieces of PVC pipe with threaded bolts through them — The author used threaded bolts to hold the silos together. Jerry Paladino photo

two pieces of PVC pipe with long threaded bolt through them — Two of the three pieces of PVC are joined with the threaded bolt. Jerry Paladino photo

To make the silos, I used 4” diameter PVC pipes. After cutting the pipes to the length that I wanted, I drilled holes through each pipe and used 2 threaded bolts to hold them together. The bolts run into the right side of the tower to hold the entire structure together. I used 3M Plastic Emblem and Trim adhesive to adhere the roof panels and silo cover.

The tower section was assembled using screws. I countersunk the screw heads and filled in the holes with an epoxy putty. I sanded the putty smooth after it dried. I painted the tower and silo tubes with a flat white exterior paint, while the roof sections and silo cover were painted a flat matte gray.

I had a sign company make the “Chalco” lettering, but I instead of sticking the letters on the structure, I removed them. I used black matte spray paint and the “stencil” left behind from the letters to spray on the silos. I figured the painted letters would weather nicely. I plan to leave the grain elevator outdoors year round.