{"product_id":"933-2918","title":"Walthers Cornerstone HO Scale Open-Air Transload Building Kit - 933-2918","description":"\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWalthers Cornerstone HO Scale Open-Air Transload Building Kit 933-2918\u003c\/strong\u003e recreates a classic postwar railroad freight transfer facility designed to move merchandise efficiently between railroad cars and highway trucks. Based on a Santa Fe Railway prototype constructed in San Bernardino, California, between 1948 and 1950, this detailed HO scale plastic structure kit is an excellent addition to railroad freight yards, team tracks, industrial districts, and distribution terminals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Open-Air Transload Building features a large concrete loading dock, an enclosed staging warehouse, sheltered freight-handling areas, ramps, and canopies. Its practical design reflects the changes in railroad freight operations during the mid-twentieth century, when larger trucks and increasing shipment volumes required more efficient freight transfer facilities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe completed model measures \u003cstrong\u003e25 x 5-1\/4 x 3 inches (63.5 x 13.3 x 7.6 cm)\u003c\/strong\u003e, making it an impressive destination for local freight trains, boxcars, refrigerated cars, flatcars, and delivery trucks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExplore \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/trainsupply.com\/collections\/ho-scale-walthers-cornerstone\"\u003eHO Scale Walthers Cornerstone structures\u003c\/a\u003e for additional railroad buildings and industrial scenery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOpen-Air Transload Building Features and Dimensions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAuthentic Santa Fe Railway inspiration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Based on a freight transfer facility built in San Bernardino, California, between 1948 and 1950.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLarge concrete loading dock:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides a realistic area for transferring merchandise between railroad cars and trucks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnclosed staging warehouse:\u003c\/strong\u003e Represents covered storage and sorting space for freight shipments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSheltered freight-handling areas:\u003c\/strong\u003e Includes canopies to protect loading operations from the weather.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLoading ramps:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supports realistic freight transfer scenes involving railroad cars and highway vehicles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVersatile freight applications:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suitable for boxcars, refrigerated cars, and certain flatcar loads.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePostwar railroad design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Appropriate for North American railroad layouts representing the 1950s through the 1990s.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDetailed plastic construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Molded in appropriate colors for assembly, painting, and weathering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompleted dimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 25 x 5-1\/4 x 3 inches (63.5 x 13.3 x 7.6 cm).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScale:\u003c\/strong\u003e HO Scale, 1:87.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrototype inspiration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Santa Fe Railway freight transfer facility, San Bernardino, California.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuggested modeling period:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1950s through the 1990s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Railroad freight transload and distribution facility plastic structure kit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturer item number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 933-2918.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eRecreate a Postwar Railroad Freight Transfer Facility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the early twentieth century, traditional railroad freight houses handled merchandise arriving and departing in smaller shipments. By the late 1940s and 1950s, growing freight volumes and the increasing use of highway trucks encouraged railroads to develop larger, more efficient transfer facilities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese terminals allowed shipments to move directly between railroad cars and delivery trucks while providing covered areas for sorting and temporary storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Walthers Cornerstone Open-Air Transload Building captures this important transition in railroad freight operations. Its combination of open loading docks and enclosed warehouse space makes it a realistic centerpiece for a busy freight district.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/trainsupply.com\/collections\/walthers-cornerstone-railroad-structures\"\u003eWalthers Cornerstone railroad structures\u003c\/a\u003e for additional freight facilities and trackside buildings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBased on a Santa Fe Railway Prototype\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Open-Air Transload Building is inspired by a Santa Fe Railway facility constructed in San Bernardino, California, between 1948 and 1950.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis modern freight terminal incorporated design features intended to increase freight-handling capacity and improve the movement of merchandise between railroad and highway transportation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough based on a Santa Fe prototype, similar transfer facilities appeared throughout North America. The model can therefore represent a freight terminal operated by a variety of railroads or an independent distribution business.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor a Santa Fe-themed layout, the building provides an especially appropriate addition to a Southern California freight yard or industrial district.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCreate Realistic Railroad Switching Operations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Open-Air Transload Building provides an excellent destination for local freight trains and switching locomotives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePosition boxcars or refrigerated cars alongside the loading dock to represent incoming merchandise, packaged food products, equipment, or other freight. Flatcars can also be incorporated where appropriate to the loads being handled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDuring operating sessions, a local freight train can deliver loaded cars, collect empties, and switch additional freight cars into position along the terminal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe facility can also serve as a team-track operation where businesses without private railroad sidings receive shipments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eModel Railroad-to-Truck Freight Transfers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe large concrete loading dock and sheltered freight-handling areas provide a realistic setting for transferring merchandise between railcars and trucks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSeparately purchased forklifts, pallets, barrels, sacks, crates, and delivery trucks can help recreate the activity of a working freight terminal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePosition trucks along the highway side of the facility while freight cars occupy the adjacent railroad tracks. This arrangement illustrates how goods could move between long-distance railroad transportation and local highway delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor additional realism, add freight workers, loading equipment, industrial lighting, and paved access roads appropriate to the selected modeling period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBuild a Complete Railroad Freight District\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Open-Air Transload Building works especially well near classification yards, railroad freight offices, warehouses, and industrial sidings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor a 1950s layout, combine it with traditional freight houses and older warehouses to represent the transition from earlier railroad freight practices to modern distribution methods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor a 1970s or 1980s layout, use the building as part of an established freight distribution complex with highway trucks, forklifts, and nearby industrial customers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExplore \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/trainsupply.com\/collections\/walthers-cornerstone-factories-warehouses\"\u003eWalthers Cornerstone factories and warehouses\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/trainsupply.com\/collections\/walthers-cornerstone-industrial-structures\"\u003eindustrial structures\u003c\/a\u003e for complementary buildings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlan the Open-Air Transload Building Installation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe completed model measures \u003cstrong\u003e25 inches long, 5-1\/4 inches wide, and 3 inches high\u003c\/strong\u003e. Because of its substantial length, the building is particularly suitable for layouts with a dedicated freight yard or industrial switching district.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBefore assembly, determine the position of the railroad siding, truck access road, and loading areas. Allow adequate space for freight car clearance, vehicle movement, and separately purchased loading equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe long, relatively narrow design makes the building useful along a railroad siding where several freight cars can be spotted for loading and unloading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePaint and Weather the Freight Terminal\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Walthers Cornerstone Open-Air Transload Building is molded in appropriate colors and can be painted to represent a working railroad freight facility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUse suitable concrete finishes for the loading dock and ramps, with complementary colors for the warehouse walls and canopies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSubtle dirt, tire marks, and weathering around the loading areas can help recreate the appearance of a heavily used freight terminal. Additional grime beneath the canopies and near freight doors can suggest years of industrial activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/trainsupply.com\/collections\/walthers-cornerstone-accessories-details\"\u003eWalthers Cornerstone accessories and details\u003c\/a\u003e for additional scenery components.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAssembly and Finishing Supplies\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Open-Air Transload Building is an unassembled HO scale styrene plastic structure kit. It includes components for the concrete loading dock, enclosed staging warehouse, sheltered dock, ramps, and canopies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCarefully review the manufacturer's illustrated instructions and test-fit the structural components before permanent assembly. Plan the final position of the railroad tracks and loading areas before installing the completed model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor painting and assembly, explore \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/paint\"\u003emodel railroad paint\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/bob-smith-industries-adhesives\"\u003emodel building glue and adhesives\u003c\/a\u003e. Use products compatible with styrene plastic and follow the manufacturer's instructions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant:\u003c\/strong\u003e This product is an unassembled HO scale Open-Air Transload Building Kit. The completed model measures 25 x 5-1\/4 x 3 inches (63.5 x 13.3 x 7.6 cm). The kit includes the freight transfer structure, loading dock, warehouse, ramps, and canopies. Railroad track, locomotives, freight cars, trucks, forklifts, pallets, figures, paints, adhesives, and additional scenery are sold separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eWalthers Cornerstone HO Scale Open-Air Transload Building Kit 933-2918\u003c\/strong\u003e provides a realistic and operationally useful addition to HO scale railroad layouts. With its Santa Fe-inspired design, large concrete loading dock, enclosed warehouse, and sheltered freight-handling areas, this kit is an excellent choice for recreating postwar railroad freight terminals and busy industrial switching operations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Walthers Cornerstone","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60901862048030,"sku":"933-2918","price":43.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0904\/6789\/3534\/files\/933-2918_01_c1cfb833-024b-45dc-966e-a8ea4d762823.webp?v=1794102584","url":"https:\/\/trainsupply.com\/products\/933-2918","provider":"Train Supply","version":"1.0","type":"link"}