Walthers/Heljan 2-Stall Engine House Roof?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hello all. I got a deal on the Walther’s N scale 2-stall engine house kit a while back, and am putting it together now. Thing is, I am a bit befuddled by the roof. It looks like it is supposed to be a metal roof, but there is a strange “squiggle” pattern along with what seem to be seems. Just what type of roof is this supposed to be, and what color would be correct to paint it? Also, the celestory section is equally befuddling.

The directions are very simple, with no paint callouts. Since this kit seems to have been around a long time, I am hoping folks can give me some feedback in regards to how this roof is supposed to be finished.

JD

2

I built two of the older ones and mated them to be a “double long”. I always thought the roof was some sort of tile/shingle affair, and left it at that.

I painted mine grey and weathered it with a black wash.

3

On all of those roofs and clerestories on the Walthers engine servicing facility structures, I have painted them with dark gray colors, as that is what most prototype photos show.

No idea what the material is made of for the roofs and clerestories.

Rich

4

Keep in mind that this kit may be based on an European prototype.

5

Very good observation - and I tend to agree - it does appear to be more European than American.

In that regard - the roof being made of tiles - is more likely.

Even so, it doesn’t take much to make it fit into an American scene, especially if it is well weathered.

6

I have one with N scale stuff .

Mine is also gray with black washes for aging.

Never paid no nevermind to what it was supposed to be material wise.

[8-|]

7

Gotta say…

If its a steam terminal structure and over a week of use, it is likely to be more black than any other color - irregardless of the material.

8

Good point about it being a steam era roof, thus black. But I was thinking nore along the lines of an old structure now.

9

Being European, the roof would most likely be slate. Colour new would be grayish black, colour older would be black.

10

May be true for Britain, but not for the Continent.

The roof is corrugated sheet metal, so the best way to paint it is silver or gray, adding a wash of black.

11

Sounds like we pretty much agree in general…

Anything from grey to black would be appropriate.

12

OK, now I need to know about the celestory roof part… there are no window “glass” pieces in the kit, so I am wondering if these are/were left open on real buildings? I can’t finish the roof until I know.

THOUGHTS?

13

What do the instructions for building the kit say about the glass. If they call for installing glass in the celestory, then the clear plastic pieces may be missing from your kit.

Rich