Standi: Hopper Bin, 1:64 Scale

Standi's idea of what a hopping bin should look like in 1:64th scale, and a good job they've done on this one too. Unlike the Standi range of grain bins, this one is designed how a silo should look, and will add a new dimension to the model farm setting. They've made this one ready to go out of the box, so no assembly required - though the lid does come off.

Classic silo design

Basically a plastic mold in the shape of a hopper, but there's more to this piece of plastic than meets the eye.

The classic silo design ideally fits in with all children's farm toy settings, whether they grow crops or rear sheep, a classic silo on the horizon really brings it all together.

The most recognizable feature must be the rounded metal cylinder shape, but it's the way it rounds off at the bottom that makes it a classic toy silo, close to a real life one.

Standing on 8 legs

Its these eight legs the silo sit's on that will gain the most attention, and thanks to these legs it has a good balance, so will sit in any location around the child's farm - on a flat or rough surface.

They are only about four inches tall, with a little over 2 inch space from the ground to the tank, then from the lowest part of the silo to the ground is only half an inch.

So though it looks like a tall silo, it's only a low hanging hopper, so that means you won't be able to get your 1:64 scale tractors, trucks and trailer beneath it - that's not what is was designed for though.

Non-functional, pretend only

Because this Standi hopper is made from a simple plastic mold, its designed this way with no moving parts or interesting functions - replicating a real life hopper.

All play will come from the imagination, so the trucks can't go underneath it to be filled up with grain or feed, so they park up beside it well the kids pretend to fill the truck up with the discharge pipes running from the silo.

If this silo did have real working parts, then we could of expected the pipes to drain into an awaiting truck, but this feature is impossible for toys at this time, so you haven't missed anything - though the top (or roof) can be removed.

Intricate detail

Visually its an attractive looking toy hopper Standi have made here, taking into consideration fine detail when creating the mold.

Hopper bins are usually made from corrugated 'effect' metal, so not only is the finished article made with a shiny metal looks, but has a nice corrugated shape.

A nice touch also comes from the imprinted ladder that runs up the hopper wall, then across the top to gain access to the inside where the grain or feed is stored.