Slag Hauler

Slag hauler making its way through the mill.

Pollack cars coming around the wye

String of Pollack 75 ton hot metal cars coming around the wye.

Hot metal car truck repair.

Sometimes in steel mill hot metal cars trucks need to be repaired. This is a hot metal car hospital truck its a temporary truck so these massive cars can still be moved around in the shop area while there trucks are being repaired. 

John Miller's BOF Part 1

From time to time I build structures for good friends. While working in Cincinnati, I meet John Miller. I have gotten to know John pretty good and I wanted to help with the layout. He wanted a BOF and we got on the subject while I was there one day and I took measurements and we began to talk about what he wanted. The challenge to this structure was I got the measurements while in Cincinnati but it would be built while I was home in Kentucky right at 180 miles away. I had a certain area to work with.

BOF's are massive and some of the tallest structures in a steel mill. This was what John wanted to capture with this model. The area I had to work with 14 1/2 wide and 46" inches long. and 24 inches tall including the downcomers

I started out with foam board I picked up from Dollar Tree. Most structures I build that are large I start with foam board. It is easy to work with and it gives the basic idea how a structure will look.

I was able to take the mockup BOF to John's and test fit and I was surprised it fit great and an operating session was also held days after the building was set up for test fitting.

Since the mockup fit the area I took a couple more measurements for trackage and the building made a return trip back home with me once again.

After getting back home with the building I cut out the last few sections and added a roof and the raised section where the furnaces will be. This will be where the downcomers are located.  

 Next was siding.

Then the details 

#2 highline Part 2

Update on #2 highline January 24, 2017

#2 highline Part 1

Been working on #2 highline. Before the highline stopped one car past the rotary dumper. Now it extends to the edge of the layout and has 2 tracks with a crossover. Longer car cut can be loaded and unloaded with having to run back to the yard for more cars.

The highline is two standard Walthers highline combined. Instead of having the legs in the open they will be placed in simulated concrete footers so the occasional hit from a dozer or loader will not damage the steel.

Still, have to finish the footers and the walkways on the highline. and a set of stairs. Then paint and scenery.

Rolling Mill & Ingot Striper Part 3

Painted and started laying track.

Rolling Mill & Ingot Striper Part 2

Really wasn't satisfied with the legs of the ingot building. I added additional supports from an extra Electric furnace I had. I added one more press and another set of rollers to the rolling mill and the plan is to add at least another set in the future.

Rolling Mill & Ingot Striper Part 1

Crews are still at it. The rolling mill was working on the past couple days. The car bay was added so the finished product can be shipped and the ingot reheating station was built. Crane and supports will need to be worked on before they are put into use at the ingot striper. Just a minor few details to be done on the EAF and it will be at full production. Coke ovens have been relocated and partially assembled.

Electric arc furnace Part 1

While waiting for a couple parts to complete the blast furnace #2, crews turn their attention to the electric arc furnace. Just a few more odds and ends and she will be ready to put into service

Blast Furnace Upgrades Part 2

Crews worked long into the night getting the #2 blast furnace ready to be fired up.

Blast Furnace Upgrades Part 1

Been putting this off for a while but last night I started adding a second blast furnace to D&D Mining and Steel. I had to move the #1 BF about 6 inches to allow for the stoves to the #2 BF. The roof sections will not be permanently attached but attached with magnets so it can be removed to be viewed on the inside. Had to relocate the blower house (spot undetermined yet). After the blast furnace, a 2nd ore bridge and 2nd hullett will be built.

Dual Track Hot metal mixer. Part 4

Few more details and a coat of dull coat and a little weathering and this will be done.