Walthers Gas Plant Era?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I am modeling the mid to late 50’s. Will the walthers gas plant be accurate for the era?

Thanks

2

I recall seeing tanks like that well into the 1950s

Hope this helps.

work safe

3

The tanks themselves will be quite good even for today. The gas plants making gas from coal, and also making forms of coke, are typical of the turn of the century through the twenties. Some industrial plants might have used these processes into the fifties but not many. I see them on Sanborn maps as Gas Works.

The issue is Natural Gas and Natural gas pipelines which came into their own during the forties and fifties. They replaced the need for these Gas Works. Natural Gas produced from an oil well or gas well was compressed and shipped to all major cities.

The large floating roof gas storage tanks store the extra gas, not being consumed at the moment, and it is for this reason that the infra structure still is in place. Instead of a Gas Works, the big storage tanks are on the gas pipeline. Everything down stream of the gas storage tanks is the same system distributing gas to industries and homes. The elimination of the Gas Works made the neighborhoods smell better as well.

On my layout I plan to use the Gas Works as a process unit that is not being used but is part on my Refinery scene. Many refineries grew out of these Gas Works. An example of this is both the Gulf ( I am dating myself) and ARCO refineries in South Phila.

Hope this helps, Chris

4

Thanks for the input. I model a dock and transfer railroad and it would be a good fit. I might have to use my “modelers license” and put it in anyway. The transfer bridge woulde make a great addition and switching focal point in my dock area.

Thanks