Hello all,
I picked up a junk box at a model railroading meet. In the lot I received a fine condition Walthers Northern Light and Power building.
My question: Have any of you used it for modeling any other industry or have any ideas on alternative uses for it?
I always find it facinating and motivating to see and learn from other’s kit bashing ideas.
I’m not familiar with the Walthers model, but I am familiar with an interesting prototype situation.
In Rapid City, SD, there is a sturdily-built masonry structure, once an electrical distribution substation. When I was there it was the home of Landstrom’s Black Hills Gold - a jewelry factory. Given that there were probably millions of dollars of materials and product present, it made sense to use a building armored like Fort Knox.
Unfortunately, there was no rail service. I suspect that a full week’s production would make a light load for an armored truck.
Don’t know what the situation is now. I left many years ago, never to return.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - black diamonds, no gold)
Here is a link to the Walthers catalogue page:
I could see the building used as a heavy duty engine house. You might have to raise the height of the building if the door isn’t tall enough but that wouldn’t be too difficult. You just add to the foundation. If it came with an interior was there an overhead crane? That would be perfect for an engine facility. If you are doing steam then the smoke stack could stay suggesting an on-site foundry. If you’re into diesels then the smoke stack might have to go.
Dave
Though didn’t kit-bash mine, it was a fun build. In a few ways the structure kinda reminds me of the old Heinz building in Berkeley, Ca., that at one time produced around 28 of the famed 57 varieties. That type of factory would make for some nice rail traffic.
Have also seen the structure used as a newspaper printing building. In that capacity it could be rail served bringing in the big rolls of blank newsprint paper. Some printing presses would make for some fun and interesting interior modeling too.
Have fun, regards, Peter
Could be used for a warehouse, machine shop, woodworking shop, put in a second floor and have offices in the lower part with one of the above on the well lit second floor. Another single level thought, large truck repair shop.
Even if it were a rail served industry, it needent still be. Could either have old, derelict train car setting on the abandoned siding (one with 6" trees growing up around it in the next town) or the siding torn up.
Have fun,
Richard
What era are you modeling? I have seen a building just like this in Iowa City that is currently being used as a restaurant and i have seen multiple buildings like this used as a brewery or apartment buildings. But that is modern day
How about a city water works pumping station. It could receive equipment like pumps and large valves as well as additives to the water by bag in a box car or tank cars.
I’m originally from the area, but have never ate there.
http://www.iowariverpower.net/irp-history.html
Jeff
I built this from DPM Modular sections:
It has a rail-served covered siding on the right, and a high-window section on the left. I called the building “Moose Mills” and built a non-specific interior, using the large window in the front to showcase the insides.
To me, the large windows demand an interesting interior. My “Moose Mills” company could be a steel mill or a cotton mill. It’s up to the viewers’ imaginations.
I agree with the the poster above who suggested a “water works” - it has that look to it. Also, a type of business long since disappeared which is coal gas manufacturer – burning coal in an oxygen free atmosphere to produce gas, with coke as a by product. Those tall windows were a feature of many such plants.
It also slightly reminds me of some old school gym buildings.
Of course is does also look like a power plant, and remember that back in the day, many big factories had their own power plant. An excellent kitbash expansion of the kit is on this website
http://midwestnpioneer.org/oldsite/east/powerplant.html
Dave Nelson
Thanks all for all the great ideas. I enjoy seeing how others re-assign or kitbash these kits. As a new modeler getting into this hobby a bit late, it’s all too easy to let the kit companies kind of dictate your layout. Thanks again for your input and guidance on thinking outside of the “kit” box. For me this could be it’s own thread catagory. Skol !
Walthers also makes an interior kit for this model.
https://www.walthers.com/interior-kit-for-northern-light-power-powerhouse
Even with this interior, there’s nothing that says it has to be a powerhouse. Whatever sign you put on it determines what it is.
I mostly think of kits, particularly the 4-walls-and-a-roof models, as templates on which to create my own buildings.
The interior kit is worth the price just for the crane. If you were to splurge on two of them you could run the crane the whole length of the building.
Dave
Walthers makes several buildings for coal gas plants, especially the holder:
https://www.walthers.com/gas-storage-tank-kit-9-7-8-quot-24-6cm-diameter-x-9-1-8-quot-22-8cm-tall
I wish I had room for one…
As late as 2004 the ex-GM parts fabrication plant in Oshawa still had its own power plant. Producing power, compressed air and heat for the plant.
Dave
Hi,
I have both the Power & Light and the later iteration as the Empire Gas Works. From a view toward kitbashing I’d like to point out that the window mullions are a bit finer on the Empire and you also get all the neat piping and tanks thrown in for good measure.
If a detailed interior is in your plans, consider the Empire Gas kit since the window moldings are much nicer. Only the end walls are different from the Power & Light.
Unfortunately, Walthers has nearly doubled the price on the Empire compared to the cost of the Northern Power kit.
Regards, Ed
Yes I would love to get 2 and replicate the GAS HEATS BEST Elmhurst gas tanks of my youth.
[:-^]
It would also make a fine BREWERY. That would be my choice.
Johnboy out…