Diesel service facilities

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

Period modeled: 1941 to 1968
Is a sand tower and drying house “correct” for a passenger diesel service facility? Or just fuel and water?
Is a water column and storage tank “correct” for a freight diesel service facility? Or just fuel and sand?
Thanks for the answers.

2

crawfordc you may want to get 2 books on engine service facilities 1 is by kalmbach publishing the other is by carstens publications. as you know kalmbach puts out model railroader and castens puts out railroad model craftsman.

hope this helps

tom

3

To: tjsmrinfo
So what are the book titles–Kalmbach and Carstens publish a lot of books.
Thanks.

4

Usually the passenger terminals lack full engine servicing area.Some times the passenger units would be taken to the regular engine servicing area for servicing.Those passenger terminals that did have passenger engine service areas had,fuel,water,oil,engine coolant ,sand and RIP parts for minor repairs.
However recall in later years these passenger terminal engines service areas was closed and the passenger units was service at the regular engine service area.

5

ALL diesels use fuel, sand, water and oil. There is no difference between freight and passenger service. Actually, most railroads didn’t have separate engine service facilities unless the passenger station and freight yards were very far removed (10 miles?)

Dave H.

6

crawfordc,

The Kalmbach book is called The Model Railroader’s Guide To Locomotive Servicing Terminals, by Marty McGuirk. It’s a good reference book that covers both steam and diesel servicing facilities. As Dave stated, diesel facilities included sand, water, fuel, and oil. There were also inspection pits and wash racks.

Tom

7

Dave,One passenger terminal that comes readily to mind as far as Engine service area is the Cincinnati Union Terminal.This servicing area lasted until Amtrak.

8

Thanks to all. You have confirmed what I thought–there is no difference between passenger and freight servicing (except for washing). My freight and passenger yards are at opposite ends of my layout–separated by more than 10 “miles.”