SPROSTON - a new vertical storage tank for the creamery.
Entry posted by sigtech
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Hello.
Latest new project for Sproston is the construction and installation of a vertical milk storage tank in the creamery, along with some new pipework associated with it (this is still very much a work in progress - particularly with regard to the present extent of the pipework), which eventually will allow the loading and washing out of the rail tanker traffic.
I have been aware for some time that the design of the main (Metcalfe) three storey building lends itself to the fact that the lowest (cellar) floor is just large enough to have had a 6,000 gallon rectangular storage tank constructed/squeezed in during its conversion into a creamery circa 1925.This is where the milk is stored on its arrival, after it is tipped from the churns, before it is processed/pasturized or alternatively made into cheese or butter.
What was missing was a suitable storage tank for the treated product awaiting loading into the railbourne tankers for onward shipment to London.
Calculating the maximum probable size of the cellar tank ( I assumed a low ceiling , say no more than 6' below the ground floor this gave a tank size of 5' high by 12' wide and 17' long, holding just over 6,000 (uk) gallons.( enough to fill two 6 wheeled rail tankers )
This allows for a 3' wide full depth passageway containing the pumps and pipework, and running around two sides of the tank, accessed from the floor above via steps all contained within the walls of the building.
Now what about the external storage tank? This seemed to be more difficult, and after an extensive search for suitable kits of storage tanks online, I was reduced to looking at toilet roll cardboard tubes....almost out of desperation!!
Then by chance I found a new site online called "Simpastures-Gate-Miniatures" who make a oo gauge model suitable for use as a silo or vertical storage tank, with a good selection of pipework/valves included. The model scales out at 21'6" high and 8'6" external diameter, with a domed top, mounted on a concrete base, and could hold just over 6,000 galllons (uk).
Price was very good £10.60 inc post and packing and arrived within 7 days. They also make a small selection of other railway related accessories in various scales.
There are no instructions as such - so it is best to draw out a plan on paper for the layout of the pipes and valves/supports/junctions, to ensure you get the arrangement you require.
Extra packs of the pipework are available to extend if needed.
There is enough whitemetal pipework included with the kit to have a incoming tank fill pipe, outgoing tank delivery pipe and a tank wash out pipe, all with valves and pipe supports and a drainage pit cover/manhole
The valves and pipe fittings have a lot of flash to remove, but otherwise construction is straightforward. I painted the tank using Humbrol enamels, assembled it with uhu, and then fitted all the pipework using cynoacrilate, leaving them in bare metal finish to represent stainless steel pipes. The result can be seen in the photos, probably much better than I would have produced from a toilet roll tube!!
The pipe run to supply the rail tank wagons is not completed yet - but I thought I would take this opportunity with one of the side backscenes removed for access to take some photos from angles not normally possible.
Well as has been said before "That's yer lot " (for now at least).
All comments - good or otherwise are welcome
Regards
SIGTECH (Steve).
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