For those of us who model the steam era, the water tank is one of the most interesting structures on the layout. Also, it is one of those models that you need to have more than one. I like wood structures much more than plastic ones. I have seen Campbell water towers and FSM. Any other models out there. What about plans for scratch building such structures?
I built the Kanamodel version of the CPR-style water tower that still exists in Parksville on Vancouver Island. It is a craftsman kit, although my meagre experience wouldn’t place me in a position to compare it to any other kit of any type by any supplier/manufacturer. It was a challenge for me, particularly them tiny turn-buckles on the cables that cinch the vertical planks comprising the sidewall. Another challenge was the roof, and yet again the counterweights and cables for the spout.
This is what it looks like:
-Crandell
I like water towers. I hope to have three eventually. I often wonder if the enclosed water towers were ever used anywhere other than Canada. I have not seen photos of them elsewhere. Kanamodels also make enclosed water tower models like the one below.
Brent
If you want to impress someone or maybe make someone think you worked on the railroad, use the term “water tank” instead. Sure, some railroaders and railroads used the term “water tower” too but “water tank” is more railroady. I associate water towers with municipalities.
It’s kind of like not walking on top of the rails when around a real railroad. If you walk on top of the rails, it makes you look like a “dude”.
I believe historically water tanks on supports were what railroads used for the most part.
If you go to the model train magazine index you’ll find many articles on buidling water tanks with plans. And don’t discount the older ones. Jack Work probably did something on a water tank among other things. He was publishing articles in the late 50’s early 60’s, IIRC, and was an excellent HO scratchbuilder–way ahead of his time.
Mebbe so, but either is acceptable… To wit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Water_towers
http://www.eureka4you.com/wt-on/ONJackfish.htm
http://www.riograndesouthern.com/RGSTechPages/_bdwhite/water.htm
It is contextual and cultural from place-to-place. But I wouldn’t, and couldn’t, agree with your statement. [:D]
-Crandell
This is a Walthers model. I built this from a kit, but they also have them available in built-up.
In my engine servicing facility I have a Walthers Steel water tank (933-2832) which is prototypical for my era late 1950’s but if your talking about water towers in towns and industries the Walthers (933-2825) city water tower built up model is a very nice model. I have plans for several of them around the layout in towns and industries
(933-2832) Steel water tank
(933-2825) City Water Tower
