{"product_id":"933-3042","title":"Walthers Cornerstone HO Scale Concrete Coaling Tower Kit - 933-3042","description":"\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWalthers Cornerstone HO Scale Concrete Coaling Tower Kit 933-3042\u003c\/strong\u003e recreates one of the most recognizable structures found at steam locomotive servicing facilities. Featuring a towering concrete coal storage bunker, covered coal unloading pit, machinery house, lifting equipment, and positionable coal chutes, this detailed HO scale plastic structure kit provides a realistic centerpiece for engine terminals, railroad yards, and mainline locomotive servicing locations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBased on a prototype design built by the Ogle Construction Company, the tower represents a medium-sized facility with a prototype coal capacity of approximately \u003cstrong\u003e150 tons\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its two-track servicing arrangement makes it suitable for busy steam locomotive terminals while remaining practical for smaller layouts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe completed tower and shed measure \u003cstrong\u003e4-1\/8 x 6-3\/8 x 11 inches (approximately 10.5 x 16.2 x 27.9 cm)\u003c\/strong\u003e. The structure is especially appropriate for railroads modeled from the 1920s through the end of regular steam operations around 1960, and it can also be modeled as an abandoned industrial landmark on later-era layouts.\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 steam locomotive servicing facilities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eConcrete Coaling Tower Kit Features and Dimensions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e150-ton prototype capacity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Represents a medium-sized steam locomotive coaling facility.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConcrete storage tower:\u003c\/strong\u003e Features realistic concrete surfaces and structural detailing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwo-track servicing capability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed to serve steam locomotives on two adjacent tracks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePositionable coal chutes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can be arranged to represent different locomotive servicing positions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCovered coal unloading pit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Models the location where hopper cars delivered coal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMachinery house and lifting equipment:\u003c\/strong\u003e Recreate the systems used to raise coal into the storage bunker.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRealistic steel details:\u003c\/strong\u003e Add industrial character to the concrete structure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDecal signs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Included for completing the finished model.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStyrene plastic construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Molded in appropriate colors and suitable for painting and weathering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSteam-era applications:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suitable for railroad scenes from the 1920s through approximately 1960.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAbandoned structure option:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can represent a surviving concrete tower on a later-era railroad.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompleted tower and shed dimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4-1\/8 x 6-3\/8 x 11 inches (approximately 10.5 x 16.2 x 27.9 cm).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScale:\u003c\/strong\u003e HO Scale, 1:87.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrototype coal capacity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 150 tons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrack servicing capability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two tracks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuggested operating era:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1920s through approximately 1960.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturer item number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 933-3042.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eRecreate a Historic Steam Locomotive Coaling Facility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCoal was the primary fuel for many North American steam locomotives. Busy railroads required dependable facilities where locomotives could replenish their coal supplies before returning to service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt a typical coaling tower, loaded hopper cars delivered coal to an unloading pit. Mechanical lifting equipment then raised the coal into an elevated storage bunker. When a locomotive stopped beneath the tower, gravity-fed chutes transferred coal into its tender.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Walthers Cornerstone Concrete Coaling Tower recreates this process with its covered unloading pit, machinery house, lifting equipment, and adjustable chutes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor a large engine terminal, the tower can serve locomotives preparing for passenger and freight assignments. For a smaller railroad, it can become the primary fueling facility at a division point or branch-line terminal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/trainsupply.com\/collections\/walthers-cornerstone-engine-maintenance-facilities\"\u003eWalthers Cornerstone engine and maintenance facilities\u003c\/a\u003e for additional steam locomotive servicing structures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eServe Steam Locomotives on Two Tracks\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Concrete Coaling Tower is designed to service locomotives on two adjacent tracks. This arrangement is particularly useful for modeling a busy terminal where several steam engines require fuel during the operating day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe positionable coal chutes allow modelers to create realistic servicing scenes. One chute can be arranged to represent coal delivery into a waiting locomotive tender while another remains raised.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor a steam-era engine terminal, position the tower near a roundhouse, turntable, water tank, and sanding facilities. For a mainline servicing point, place it beside tracks where passing locomotives stop to replenish coal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe model's two-track design also creates opportunities for realistic railroad operating sessions involving arriving and departing steam locomotives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eModel Coal Deliveries with Hopper Cars\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCoaling towers required regular deliveries of coal to maintain their storage supply. Railroads typically used hopper cars to transport coal from mines and distribution points to locomotive servicing facilities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit includes a covered unloading pit representing the location where hopper cars discharged their loads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor an operating session, a local freight train can deliver loaded coal hoppers to the facility. Empty cars can then be collected after unloading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor a large steam locomotive terminal, the coaling tower can receive frequent coal deliveries. For a smaller railroad, occasional hopper shipments can maintain the supply needed by a limited locomotive fleet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSeparately purchased hopper cars and coal loads can help complete the scene.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBuild a Complete Steam Locomotive Terminal\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Concrete Coaling Tower works particularly well as part of a larger steam locomotive servicing complex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor a major railroad terminal, combine the tower with a roundhouse, turntable, sanding facilities, ash pit, and water supply structures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor a smaller engine terminal, the tower can stand beside a short servicing track and a compact engine house.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eWalthers Cornerstone HO Scale Steel Water Tank Kit 933-3043\u003c\/strong\u003e, sold separately, is a suitable companion for modeling locomotive water service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional roundhouses, turntables, and engine maintenance buildings can help create a complete facility where locomotives receive fuel, water, sand, inspections, and routine servicing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExplore \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/trainsupply.com\/collections\/walthers-cornerstone-railroad-structures\"\u003eWalthers Cornerstone railroad structures\u003c\/a\u003e for related trackside and railroad maintenance buildings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eUse the Tower on a Steam-to-Diesel Transition Layout\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eConcrete coaling towers were built for durability, and many remained standing after railroads retired their steam locomotives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor a 1950s transitional-era layout, the tower can represent an active coal servicing facility operating alongside newer diesel locomotive facilities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor a 1960s railroad, it can represent a structure recently taken out of service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor a later-era layout, the tower can become an abandoned railroad landmark with weathered concrete and missing metal components.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts substantial height and distinctive industrial design make it an effective background structure even when the railroad no longer operates steam locomotives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlan the Coaling Tower Installation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe completed tower and shed measure approximately \u003cstrong\u003e4-1\/8 x 6-3\/8 x 11 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e. The structure's height makes it a prominent feature of an HO scale railroad yard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAllow adequate clearance for locomotives and rolling stock on both servicing tracks. Position the coal unloading area where hopper cars can be spotted without interfering with locomotive movements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor a large terminal, the tower can stand near a turntable approach or engine servicing lead. For a smaller railroad, it can be positioned beside a dedicated fueling track.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTest-fit the structure, track spacing, and positionable chutes with your selected locomotives before permanent installation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePaint and Weather the Concrete Coaling Tower\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eConcrete coaling towers provide excellent opportunities for realistic industrial weathering. The main structure can be finished in appropriate concrete tones, while the steel components can receive subtle rust and wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCoal dust and soot staining can be added around the storage bunker, unloading pit, and coal chutes to represent years of locomotive servicing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor an active steam-era terminal, use moderate weathering to suggest a maintained facility. For an abandoned later-era scene, faded concrete, heavier staining, and deteriorated metalwork can help establish the tower's age.\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 railroad scenery components.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAssembly and Finishing Supplies\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Concrete Coaling Tower is an unassembled styrene plastic structure kit. Carefully test-fit the tower sections, machinery house, unloading pit, lifting equipment, and coal chutes before permanent assembly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor finishing supplies, 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. Select products compatible with styrene plastic and follow the manufacturer's assembly instructions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant:\u003c\/strong\u003e This product is an unassembled HO scale plastic Concrete Coaling Tower Kit. It includes the concrete storage tower, covered coal unloading pit, machinery house, lifting equipment, positionable coal chutes, and decal signs. The completed tower and shed measure approximately 4-1\/8 x 6-3\/8 x 11 inches (10.5 x 16.2 x 27.9 cm). Railroad track, locomotives, hopper cars, coal loads, roundhouses, turntables, water tanks, figures, vehicles, paints, adhesives, and additional scenery are sold separately. The coal chutes can be positioned, but the kit does not include a powered coal-loading or lifting mechanism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eWalthers Cornerstone HO Scale Concrete Coaling Tower Kit 933-3042\u003c\/strong\u003e provides a distinctive steam locomotive servicing facility for HO scale model railroads. With its 150-ton prototype capacity, two-track servicing arrangement, covered unloading pit, machinery house, and positionable coal chutes, this kit is an excellent centerpiece for steam-era engine terminals and a realistic surviving landmark on later-era layouts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Walthers Cornerstone","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60658269225246,"sku":"933-3042","price":43.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0904\/6789\/3534\/files\/933-3042_01_ae49fb26-8928-4834-8656-aa2863908d0a.webp?v=1793153870","url":"https:\/\/trainsupply.com\/products\/933-3042","provider":"Train Supply","version":"1.0","type":"link"}