A litle perplexed here and I hope some of you may have the info. [%-)]
Many of you have seen pictures of the steel platform I’m referring to: [;)]
(1) Typically painted a bright safety yellow.
(2) Usually 100 to 200 feet long.
(3) About 5 feet wide
(4) Approximately 5 feet or higher off of the ground with ladders on both ends.
(5) Often used at locomotive terminals inside and outside of facility buildings.
Bachmann made a very COOL looking HO kit a few years back that featured two platforms. I can’t find it in my 2005 Walthers Catalog. Apparently it’s been discontinued. Again, Me–Mr. Dunce Cap[D)]–took for granted that it would always be available!!! When do I ever learn?! [B)]
Does anyone know of similar kits made by other companies? I would like to use it for my locomotive service building. Color is irrelevant as my airbrush will fix that.
I have a picture of the platforms that SCL used back in the 1970s when locomotives were overhauled in Tampa. These are neat looking structures that the mechanics walked on. and amazingly similar to the Bachmann platforms.
I think I know exactly what you are looking for. I bought a kit very similar to what you are speaking of about a year ago. It was made by Heljan but it is not European looking at all. I do not see it in the Walthers site anymore for HO but heres a picture of what I am referring to still avail for N guage. This might give you some search ideas to see if its out there anywhere in HO still.
Antonio,
Why not try scratchbuilding them? Plaststruct or Evergreen have the I-beams(or H-columns) for the support structure plus pipe railing. Off-hand I can’t remember who has diamond tread for the walkway, but I’m sure it is available. This way you will be able to make them any length you want and customize them. Other than that, the suggestion of searching E-Bay might turn that Bachmann kit up. You might try a toy store that has a train section as a lot of Bachmann seemed to be available.
Thank you for your input. If I can’t find one, then scratchbuilding may be only alternative. I didn’t want to take this route as I have so many other projects to catch up on ( loco tweaking, DCC installation, Walther Budd Car modifications, etc), but if I have to, I will.
I’m going to first, check the hobby shops and toy train outlets.
Those long yellow platforms are actually part of the Bachman Plus Sand Tower kits, not the fuel rack as I had stated. Pennsy58 is correct, in that they’re actually made by Heljan. Heljan apparently produced these for Bachmann a few years ago. I went to the Walther’s website, typed in the part number and there it was.
I called my LHS, Happy Hobo Trains, to ask Kevin to order me a kit. No need…He already has several in stock! Kevin explained that it had been discontinued, but Walthers “resucitated” it back. Apparently this sanding tower kit is is a popular structure.
Go www.walthers.com and type in 322-113. Check it out. It’s a beauty! Definetly American design and would fit in any diesel loco facility from the 1960s to the present.
(BTW: There is one kit on ebay. It’s under the Bachmann Plus name. Feels good that I can take it off my “Watch List” now.)
OOOO, I passed right by that listing last night. Glad you found what you are looking for. That is the same one I have. I did kitbash it slightly to meet my space and needs. It turned out very nice in the end.
You’re right, the NJ International kit is more expensive as it seems that the handrail kit is sold seperately, however, it would still be a good option if the Heljan kit had not been available.