Agreed...it's a warehouse

I think many folks modeling a paper mill have come to the same conclusion and I wonder why Walther's ever marketed it as a paper mill.  Maybe it fit a older style but it's not something I have seen while touring mills in Canada.  I modeled my own mill after several mills in northern Ontario/Quebec and the story is that the paper machine is housed in a building that is essentially the backdrop.  A modern paper machine would never fit such a small space like the Walther's building and do it justice.  I scratch built an additional brick extension to the warehouse, allowing two more loading tracks for my own mill.  I really wanted to concentrate on the operations and being able to move cars in/out, and it's difficult to fit into a 2ft x 16ft space.

Looking forward to updates for your build.

Paper mill backdrop

I agree it's almost impossible to reflect the sheer size of a paper mill without using photo backdrops to portray the main paper making plant. I am grappling with this on my N scale layout at the moment.

Does anyone know where I can get hold of decent US or Canadian paper mill background photos? I live in the UK, so no local mills to check out.

John

Last post

My apologies, Steve. I did not mean to hijack your post with my question re backdrops!

Your kitbash is looking great and i look forward to seeing your progress, which i am sure will help in my build too.

John

Background

John...contact me off list. I have some landscape photos of one of the Tembec mills that I can share with you.

Misc replies....

@John: No problem. I also have a few papermill shots (including the Kapuskasing mill, that Ken also has) that will likely make it onto my backdrop behind the structures.

@Ken: Have we met? My wife and I were at the ONRH&TS conventions in 2012 (Cochrane) and 2016 (Temiskaming), so we've at least got mutual acquaintances from there.

My "prototype" mill (not that I'm trying for anything like strict realism) is St. Marys in the Soo, which has (had) the advantage of being a fairly compact mill, unlike many others I've seen. Still, most of us are modelling the *rail* aspects of the place, so shoving anything that doesn't directly involve that "into the backdrop" is very justifiable.

Paper Mill Backdrop

John, check out LARC Products.  There’s a decent paper mill scene I’m using. 
 

ONRHT&S

Steve...sorry we probably have met then and I just don't recognize your name...apologies. I'm one of the Ohio guys who belongs to the group.  Can't recall if I made it in 2016 but was definitely there in 2012 plus most others.  I'm the current ONRHT&S editor so send some photos of your building and we can share with other members.

What a great hobby

Ken offered John some pictures. I email Ken if he could copy me in on that. I have 21 great pictures of almost exactly what I am looking for on the backdrop of my Papermill. I know Ken only from his postings on MRH and there was no hesitation for him to help me out. Thanks again Ken.

Tom 

I second that

Ken very kindly forwarded me the backdrop photos, which will be most useful for me.

Yet again, one of the great benefits of this site   -  modellers helping modellers! Thanks again Ken

John

thread to check

Scan through this thread if you are looking for ideas.

https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/paper-mill-coming-together-12201862