The Grain Elevator Mostly scratch-built, the grain elevator was based on a Canadian prototype. I wanted something with a lower profile/height than the more traditional tall elevators. It’s made from styrene and basswood. The piping probably makes no sense to anyone who knows how these things work. I did a little research but ended up throwing the installation together based on what I thought looked plausible. I’ve since read Jeff Wilson’s book on the railroad grain business and it has brought me up to speed on the inner workings of grain elevators. The next version of this group of buildings will hopefully portray things more accurately. I based it loosely on this picture. I really like the ramshackle feel and the range of buildings strung together over time to get the basic job done. I want to rebuild the elevator and base it much more closely on this image.