Detailed scratchbuilt coaling tower.

Deem · March 03, 2026, 12:06:27 AM

I made this tower a long time ago.

The only detail in these shots I did not make from scratch is the Tichi shutes. The weights, pulleys, mounts, decks, and railings I made.

Rick · March 03, 2026, 06:32:08 AM

Excellent modeling and detailing.

IWannaRetire · March 03, 2026, 01:37:26 PM

Amazing! this is HO, correct?

jbvb · March 03, 2026, 04:21:50 PM

Nice work! Am I right in guessing the walkway handrails are brass?

labdad · March 03, 2026, 06:25:27 PM

Looks good!
More info on the build please?
MJinTN

Deem · March 03, 2026, 08:17:46 PM

Quote from: IWannaRetire on March 03, 2026, 01:37:26 PMAmazing! this is HO, correct?

Yes it is HO, Mark.

This scratchbuilt model represents one of CNR's reinforced concrete and
brick coaling towers that were built during the 1920's.

I used photographs of various CNR concrete coal towers to guide me with the construction. Taking into consideration the coaling capabilities of the engine terminal (it was designed for), I decided to create a one-silo/100 ton version.

The shaft, base and legs are made of basswood, primed with grey paint and covered with a thin coat of plaster to give it a concrete look. The silos are cardboard dowels covered with a thin sheet of fine sandpaper. The shaft is covered with hand cut Holgate and Reynolds brick sheets and styrene strips.
I fabricated the platforms, railings, chute mounts and its details from styrene,
brass wire and mesh; the chutes and ladder are modified Tichi parts.

Deem · March 03, 2026, 08:21:55 PM

Quote from: jbvb on March 03, 2026, 04:21:50 PMNice work! Am I right in guessing the walkway handrails are brass?

James. The handrails are plastic, made from pieces and fences that were cut and modified.

Deem · March 03, 2026, 08:28:36 PM

Quote from: Rick on March 03, 2026, 06:32:08 AMExcellent modeling and detailing.

Thank you Rick.
I found the box it has been in for 17 years. I might open it tonight to see what shape it is in. It has been stored in cold and very hot conditions, and has travelled in a U-Haul truck for about 8700 kilometres.

I made one single silo and double coalting tower, I suspect the double one is in this box, as I think the single silo one got destroyes.

Deem · March 03, 2026, 08:29:56 PM

Quote from: labdad on March 03, 2026, 06:25:27 PMLooks good!
More info on the build please?
MJinTN

MJ. I will post more details later... stay tuned...

Deem · March 03, 2026, 08:37:27 PM

Quote from: Rick on March 03, 2026, 06:32:08 AMExcellent modeling and detailing.

Thank you Rick.

I just opened the box it has been in for 17 years. So far it looks like it is in good shape... fingers crossed...