Track side structures

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi,

I am getting back into HO after about 30 years away from it all. I have chosen to model after the Erie Lackawanna road as I want something that is from the 60’s and 70’s. My questions are around some of the track side structures. What are the sanding stations for? Would the diesel still require a water tower of some sort for cooling?

Thanks,

Kevin

2

Diesels do not need water stops. Their engines are cooled by radiators just like your car or truck. They do use sand for traction, just like steam engines do. Sand is sprayed on the track in front of the wheels to improve traction.

Bob Boudreau

3

Steam era sandhouses and water towers were pretty much gone by the 60’s and 70’s.

Diesels use sand for traction. Just like the highway dept puts sand on a slippery road, a locomotive blows sand on slippery rail for traction. A 1960-70 sand tower would be a series of metal posts or columns with a large “can” to hold the sand and piping to bring the sand down to the locomotives. Water is used for cooling, but for diesels all you need is a heavy duty spigot and a 1" -2" hose.

Dave H.