Does anyone know what the recommended track spacing is for the Walthers coaling tower? I can figure out the coal shed and ashpit tracks, but not the “mainline” track.
If you are asking about the Walthers Concrete Coaling Tower, part number 933-3042, starting from the shed track centerline it’s 3-3/4" to the track centerline under the tower and then 2-3/4" to the outside track centerline. The spacing from the shed to under the tower is shown as 3-5/8’’ in their catalog, but I found the extra 1/8" centers the coal chute better over the tender. Prior to laying track I had built enough of the tower to check track centerlines since I did not know the distance to the outside track.
Thanks, Willy.
Anyone have the track to track distance/dimensions for the Walther’s HO Wooden coaling tower, handy? Also how many tracks total this (wooden) tower accomodates? It’s hard to tell from the Walther’s pics and box, for sure. Thanks.
It always pays to check the Walthers site. On this page:
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-2922
… it says, “Servicing track centers are 2-1/2” 6.4cm Hoist track is 3-1/2" 8.9cm from centerline of track under the tower. "
And I’m sure the details are in the instructions inside the box, right?
Thanks. Sorry, I wasn’t making myself very clear (migraine day)… I’m confused by the terminology I guess. Is the servicing track the same servicing track that runs to and from a turntable/R.H.? Is the hoist track for coal loading or something else? I’ll do some prototype reading but need to picture the dimensions better understanding the function/location of those track descriptions. Thanks again Cuyama
Since I believe that the kit is designed for two coaling tracks under the tower and the plural is used in the description, yes, the service tracks are where the engines are serviced. That is, where they get coal. Yes, those would typically be on the leads to the turntable
I don’t have the kit and its instructions to look at as you do, but I would assume that the hoist track is where the coal is dumped before being hoisted into the coaling tower.
Don’t you have the kit instructions? I’m surprised that this is not spelled out.
No, haven’t purchased yet. I’ve only scene the pics of the box in catalogs or online. I just wanted to determine if it’ll fit on my already laid yard tracks. I’ll do some measuring and order the kit where I can exchange it if it won’t work out. In the meanwhile I’ll dip into the locomotive servicing yard books that are on their way, in the mail. Thanks. I’m starting my lst grade. I’ll let you know eventually if the longer room helped enough with the Warbeek and Sunmount based layout. I should have all the track laid and risers installed by Winter sometime.
This is why specific structures need to be considered during the track planning proceess where structure-track alignments are critical. My practice is to place the actual structure (or its accurate foot print) on the layout when laying track. Saves time, money, and disappointment.
Mark
Absolutely, Mark. I’ve done that with all other structures on the layout. I had intended reusing my old coaling tower but have decided it’s too unrealistic/unsatisfying so I’m checking out the Walther’s Wooden Tower after the fact. You can plan everything some of the time but not something everytime, all the time. (or something like that 
Murphy said that lst.
Hi,
I asked a similar question months ago, but it looks like you already have the answers posted here.
In drawing up the plans for my new HO layout (actually a rebuild of the prior one), I originally thought I would use the Cumbres & Toltec coaling tower model I already had. But then I realized the new layout represents “bigger steam” and something larger was more appropriate.
It was a very hard decision in deciding between the Walther’s wooden or larger “modern” concrete coaling towers. While I prefer the looks of the wooden one, the concrete one was more appropriate - so that is what I got. Of course Walthers also puts out a smaller concrete tower, which would do well on a “small steam” layout.
Ha, when I built the last layout (early '90s), you really didn’t have much choice in structure kits and the decision process was easier. Today, we are really blessed with a plethora of kits for just about anything railroad related you could want.
ENJOY,
Mobilman44