Planning

I've found that planning and building a train layout has a bit of a "what came first, the chicken or the egg" component to it.  It's not nearly as linear as you'd expect.  You'd think building the structures would come after the trackwork was complete.  However, I had to build at least part of the buildings so I would know where exactly the track goes.  And where things will fit.  So I started the Walthers Rolling Mill kit this month.  I chose to place the tracks all at one end, that way I'm only planning for 3 switches instead of 6.  I've assembled the mill and attached the base pieces.  I was inspired by what another person did (see link below) to include some additional details, but since it's easier to install these before the superstructure, sides, and roof are attached, I'm now in a bit of a holding pattern.  I found a company in Cleveland, State Tool and Die, that makes some steel mill details - steel coil bins and steel slabs (hot and cold).  Those are on the way.  I plan to acquire some steel coils and an overhead crane as well.

One of my criticisms so far of the Walthers kits is that they don't include any instructions on how to paint the models.  Perhaps because they expect you to leave them in the colors they're molded in.  So the modeler is left to look at the pictures on the box or do their own research on the side.  I painted the blast furnace with Rustoleum gray primer spray paint, and I'll do the same with the rolling mill.  This approximately matches the colors on the box.  I've seen photos of steel mill structures anywhere from gray to rust/iron to flat black.  I figure once I learn how to weather things, I'll add plenty of dirt and grime to these structures.

At first you think you can cram these structures closer together but their placement is defined by the tracks that feed in.  So you need enough space for the succession of switches.

http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?27013-FS-Built-amp-Detailed-Walthers-Rolling-Mill