Walther's Cornerstone McGraw Oil Co. question

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

How would the low ‘berm’ spill retaining wall be painted/finished? On my '50’s era layout I’m not sure if it would have been concrete or earthen. Would the flat floor inside the berm and around the tanks be dirt, gravel, concrete or what?

Thanks,

Jarrell

2

It could have been either one. I know they weren’t so concerned with pollution then as we are today. If it was an older facility, I would make it earthen. If it was just built, I might make it concrete. If it was in more of an industrial setting and not by itself, it may have been concrete or even asphalt.

3

There was a big difference depending where the petroleum storage facility was constructed in an urban area or a rural area/small town.

if the berms were a concrete wall then it would be likely that the floor of the berm would be concrete as well. The berm was there to keep the spill contained, most of the larger storage tanks were placed on fill, the concrete floor would act as a barrier and keep the spill from contaminating any ground water nearby.

4

Gasoline or diesel would dissolve asphalt, so it would not have been a good choice.

Another reason to have a berm is to contain spilled liquids if there is a fire. The burning liquid would be contained in the berm, rather than flowing away to ignite other structures or equipment.

5

Take a look at the area of the berm and how much it could hold. Then look at the tank(s) that will be in the berm. If the Berm wont hold 110% of the volume of the largest tank then paint it earthen colors as it was modeled after pre-epa regs. If it has a deep(ish perfectly square well like a foundation then paint it concrete as it mas most likely modeled with the epa regs in effect. I handle the enviromental reporting at my job (not an expert just monthly paperwork and recurrency tests) Looked it up once but don’t remember the exact year those regualtions were implemented.

Hope it helps

6

Thanks for the replies. Walther’s instruction sheet with the kit states that it would be suitable for 1920’s to present day but doesn’t say anything about how to finish it. I guess they’re leaving it up to the modeler. The photo on their website

does not give a good view of the area around the tanks but it kind of looks like they finished it to look like an earthen berm. I’m guessing they did the area immediately around the tanks (inside the berm) with gravel.

Jarrell