Just thought I’d share this with you as I found myself with yet another dilema last month when some of the larger engines were getting caught on the support columns as they ran under the tower. So in order to solve the situation required drastic measures. I also saw an opportunity to add a third chute to the lower track.
Before shot
I’ll start to paint and weather it within the new few days after I add a cou[ple of more minor details and two more lights, which will make six.
Fergie
Sweet.
Fergie,
Very nice modifications! I have just started to assenble that coal tower, and am already looking to modify some of the features. What engines did not clear the tipple?
I have tested my USRA Heavy 2-8-2’s and see no problem. Of course these are the largest steam I have on my ‘transition era’ layout.
Jim
Would 2-8-4s clear??? Kevin
Thanks for the Kudos. You should be alright with your locos.
Where I ran into problems was several areas. First off the spacing between the main line and the yard/loco facility marshalling track was tight. Compicating that was the fact I had place a No. 6 turnout in close proximity of the tower, well almost directly under it… silly me but space is at a premium.
Most locos had no issues with clearances on the main line, siding or loco facility track including the Challenger. Problems arose from the Allegheny when going into the turnout and having such a wide behind (Six Axe handles across) had a tendency of cleearing the place out as did the C&O 2-10-4 with her cab window overhangs, which caught on the pillars. Notice how it’s the C&O crowd that has size issues!
Anyway with the removal/relocation of the pillars with smaller ones it’s given enough room so I shouldn’t have any more hassles.
Fergie
Nice work, Fergie, as always!
Nice job with the modifications. I finished that particular model this winter. I installed the tracks after the model was complete and on the layout, so hopefully I won’t have any clearance issues.
You mentioned installing lights. Can you provide some information as to where and how you installed the lights.
If I remember this kit correctly it has a single track under the bin. Does anyone know of a kit for a similar structure that has double track below, thus being about double the width of this model? Thanks.
Walthers has one. It’s part of their servicing facility. Two tracks under, one outside, one loading area.
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-2903
I just got done putting it together. It took over twice as long as the round coaling tower to assemble.
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-3042
I would rate it a 3/10 on the assembly skill level.
Fergus: Wish I could get my trees looking that good. :-/ What are they? Scenic Express?
If your talking about the brown ones in the background then they are last ywears crop of Sedum out of the front yard. I’ve got two more boxes of it stuffed away and should have another bumper crop come October. There was a really good article in Canadian Model Railroader last year and I hope to read it again so I can add colour and mass to them.
WlmJunc: If you look at the brass fittings they are brass tubes that have been bent and a brass lamp shade placed at the end (Walthers sells them in their lighting section of the catalogue)
As for the light bulbs these are mini grain that I buy through Loys Toys. These are about 1.5 mm in size. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to source any equivalent LED’s for that size.
Fergie