In modeling engine facilites in the eastern US for the mid-late 40s, I certainly need to include sanding towers and ash pits. The problem is that I cannot find any reference photos in any of my books so I do not really know what any looked like. Could someone point me to some photos?
The Chicago & North Western Historical Society has published two excellent books on steam locomotive servicing faciliies–filled with photos, drawings and plans. Very fine books and a tremendous amount of information on CNW and Omaha Road facilities–but applicable to any steam road in the '40s. You can find out more about the books at the Company Store page of the society’s web site http://cnwhs.org
Marty McGuirk wrote a book on this, “The Model Railroader’s Guide to Steam Locomotive Servicing Terminals.” It’s published by Kalmbach and is available in hobby shops and on the shopping section of this Web site.
Dear SparrowHawk,
Sanding towers look usually like pipes, but sometimes there is a sandhouse next to it, where wet sand, especially from a nearby river, would be dried for use in the locomoitves.
Ash pits are a different story. Often they looked like a traditional locomotive “pit” with one side open to remove the ashes. Sometimes, especially on short lines, the ashes would litteraly be dumped by the side of the track, and would only be removed when the pile got to high. I would get the Kalmbach book for the ash pits.
See you around the forum,
Daniel
P.S. You’ve been a member for nearly two years and this is your first posting?[:)] Oh well, to each his own.[8D][:D]