Price: $37.95
Manufacturer
Blair Line
P.O. Box 1136
Carthage, MO 64836
www.blairline.com
Era: 1960s to present
Comments: A fertilizer plant kit is the latest addition to Blair Line’s N scale product lineup. The structure features a laser-cut wood floor, sub roof, and walls, all with tab-and-slot connections; doors, windows, and trim with peel-and-stick backing; and a variety of full-color signs.
The use of synthetic fertilizer in farming began in the 1940s. This style of fertilizer plant, with its distinctive saltbox roofline, didn’t appear until the 1960s. Examples of these plants can be found as stand-alone industries or part of large elevator complexes in the United States and Canada.
Those not from farm country might be wondering how a fertilizer plant works. In simplified terms, covered hoppers bring in the fertilizer by rail, where the cars are unloaded into a pit in the gauge of the rail. Conveyors and augers then carry the fertilizer inside the building, where it’s put into storage bins. Once inside, the fertilizer can be blended to the needs of customers.
Blair Line’s kit features clearly written and illustrated instructions. Overall, the parts fit together well. There were a few spots where the trim didn’t completely cover the tabs and slots at the corners, but I didn’t find this too objectionable.
The bucket elevator was particularly well executed, with many fine laser-cut wood and cardstock details. The peel-and-stick roofing material also earns high marks. The variegated gray shingles look convincing, even under close examination.
The structure’s footprint varies depending on where the conveyor is positioned. The footprint is 5″ x 4″ if the conveyor is put on the side; on the end, it’s 61⁄2″ x 3″.
Kudos to Blair Line for offering an N scale kit that, in my opinion, was long overdue. The company also offers Farmer’s Fertilizer Supply in HO scale for $57.95.
