Extended Tender Coal Bunker

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

I am going to convert an HO Bachmann 2-8-0 to resemble a Milwaukee Road engine. On the tender I have to scratch build an extended coal bunker. The bunker looks like it comes up as high as the top of the engine’s cab. I have looked at hundreds of photographs now and it looks like most of the bunkers were welded rather than riveted. Some of the bunkers have reinforcing bands. Does anyone know how they were constructed? Does anyone know if there is any published information about these bunkers?

I also note from the photographs that the backup lights are usually on stands adjacent to the extended coal bunker. Does anyone know if these backup lights were ever mounted on the back of the extended coal bunker (this would be the easiest way for me to add the light).

Any clues or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

2

I’m not sure to which style of built-up bunker you’re referring, but I add them to many of my locos:

An IHC Mogul:

Bachmann Consolidation:

Both of the locos shown are modelled with open bunkers, and the extensions are plain sheet styrene. I added handrails and other details, and use loose coal, which allows the bunker to be shown with varying loads.

The CNR used bunker extensions like these on many of their Ten Wheelers, made from heavy planks. I used strip styrene, distressed with a razor, saw to create my own version:

Here’s a different style of bunker extension:

This photo shows the construction details:

Wayne