Diesel Servicing Facility

[grande man]

I've got a confession to make. While it's a little known fact around here, the Platte Canyon Sub has an Atlas Turntable :eek: :eek: :eek: (no offence to anyone who likes them). It was part of our original layout that we added on to that dates back about 7 years. At the time, Litte Grande wanted a turntable, not knowing any different I gave him one. :rolleyes: As most here know, you can't even turn a stinkin Connie on a 9" turntable. We run diesels anyway, so the turntable's time to go has come.

Now that the stage is set, I'm open to suggestions for diesel servicing. I've got Jim Hedger's article on the subject. http://www.trains.com/mrr/default.aspx?c=a&id=1101 As usual, we'll be fighting for every inch of real estate needed for such a project. I envision something with just two tracks, fueling equipment, sanding tower, office/shop buildings and an oil tank. The lead in track will have to be a curved Peco ST244 turnout to make this work. I bought a curved Peco SL86 today but there's no way it's going to fit, so I ordered the ST244.

I'm planning to scratch the buildings out of styrene. The concrete servicing pad will also be styrene.

Here's what we have so far:

American Limited #5100 Sanding Tower
Woodland Scenics D232 Diesel Fueling Facility
Rix 43' Peaked Top Tank
Evergreen 9080.080" styrene
Evergreen 4525 Metal Siding
Evergreen 101 trim strips
Evergreen 294 1/8" Angles


http://www.modelrailroadphotos.com/photos/data/567/Diesel_Facility_Project_002_edited.jpg

We'll need figures, misc equipment (like the Woodland Scenics welding equipment) and, of course track/ballast. Can ya'll think of anyting else?

The thought we're going on is that the town will be used as a helper base for trains headed west of the Joint Line on our fictional Platte Canyon Subdivision. The helpers and others will require locomotive servicing as will the local switch engine.

Anyone have any suggestions before this project gets underway? I'd love to hear them.

[fortkentdad]

Keep us posted. I want to develop a diesel service section as well, again, in minimal space. Show us how it is done!

[grande man]

Keep us posted. I want to develop a diesel service section as well, again, in minimal space. Show us how it is done!

It'll be a little while but I'll post pics. I've got to get started on the kits and be on the lookout for the new Peco turnout.

[RexHea]

You seem to have it covered, Eric. I don't believe there is any equipment on mine that you haven't mentioned already in your kits. Figures, oil/grease drums, hoses, junkpile, nasty weathering will all make it come together. Sounds good...now for the work.

[grande man]

Rex, If ours came out even close to yours I'd be a happy guy. Unfortunately, our version will be much abbrieviated...

[sushob]

How 'bout some welders and train mechanics?

http://www.sushob.com/images/Woodland%20Scenics/785-1871S.jpg
Woodland Scenics #1871 (http://www.sushob.com/product.php?productid=22510&cat=0&page=1)


http://www.sushob.com/images/Woodland%20Scenics/785-1859S.jpg
Woodland Scenics #1859 (http://www.sushob.com/product.php?productid=22498&cat=2185&page=3)

[sushob]

You seem to have it covered, Eric. I don't believe there is any equipment on mine that you haven't mentioned already in your kits. Figures, oil/grease drums, hoses, junkpile, nasty weathering will all make it come together. Sounds good...now for the work.

Junk...now there's something I already have plenty of :o

[RexHea]

Nate, those are great figures to have around. I have the welders with a GRS welding light kit. The light looks like a real arc and is controlled by the voice modulation from an AM radio that comes with it.:)

[grande man]

Nate, you've got some great prices on the WS figures! :cool:

For anyone thinking of ordering, Nate is a great fellow to do business with.

[sushob]

Nate, you've got some great prices on the WS figures! :cool:

For anyone thinking of ordering, Nate is a great fellow to do business with.

Thanks! I aim to please :)

Nate, those are great figures to have around. I have the welders with a GRS welding light kit. The light looks like a real arc and is controlled by the voice modulation from an AM radio that comes with it.

I think the only welding light kit I can get a hold of is the Miniatronics kit. I've never handled their line before...does anyone have any experience with their products?

http://www.miniatronics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=100-201-01&Category_Code=2_1&Product_Count=0

[NYC_George]

I've got a confession to make. While it's a little known fact around here, the Platte Canyon Sub has an Atlas Turntable :eek: :eek: :eek: (no offence to anyone who likes them). It was part of our original layout that we added on to that dates back about 7 years. At the time, Litte Grande wanted a turntable, not knowing any different I gave him one. :rolleyes: As most here know, you can't even turn a stinkin Connie on a 9" turntable. We run diesels anyway, so the turntable's time to go has come.

Now that the stage is set, I'm open to suggestions for diesel servicing. I've got Jim Hedger's article on the subject. http://www.trains.com/mrr/default.aspx?c=a&id=1101 As usual, we'll be fighting for every inch of real estate needed for such a project. I envision something with just two tracks, fueling equipment, sanding tower, office/shop buildings and an oil tank. The lead in track will have to be a curved Peco ST244 turnout to make this work. I bought a curved Peco SL86 today but there's no way it's going to fit, so I ordered the ST244.

I'm planning to scratch the buildings out of styrene. The concrete servicing pad will also be styrene.

Here's what we have so far:

American Limited #5100 Sanding Tower
Woodland Scenics D232 Diesel Fueling Facility
Rix 43' Peaked Top Tank
Evergreen 9080.080" styrene
Evergreen 4525 Metal Siding
Evergreen 101 trim strips
Evergreen 294 1/8" Angles


http://www.modelrailroadphotos.com/photos/data/567/Diesel_Facility_Project_002_edited.jpg

We'll need figures, misc equipment (like the Woodland Scenics welding equipment) and, of course track/ballast. Can ya'll think of anyting else?

The thought we're going on is that the town will be used as a helper base for trains headed west of the Joint Line on our fictional Platte Canyon Subdivision. The helpers and others will require locomotive servicing as will the local switch engine.

Anyone have any suggestions before this project gets underway? I'd love to hear them.

If it's passenger service then you would also need at least two large high pressure hoses for the steam generator water tanks. One being connected to each unit as they were being refueled. A smaller engine water hose would also be needed. There would also be a pump house connected to a drain running the lenght of the fueling pad that would catch any over flow of fuel from the fueling proccess. The unit also seperates the fuel from the over flow of water. There would also be derails with attaching metal blue signs protecting the servicing tracks that could be raised or lowered.

NYC_George

[jbaakko]

In the way of Diesel servicing, I actually like the Bachmann kits! The fueling and sanding rack kit, with the raised walkways, though it might be a bit much for you.

It looks like you have just about everything picked out, maybe a small side track with a servicing pit?

[grande man]

Ya'll are giving me some good ideas. Anyone know who makes a good inspection pit? It would be easy enough to scratch them too.

[grande man]

If it's passenger service then you would also need at least two large high pressure hoses for the steam generator water tanks. One being connected to each unit as they were being refueled. A smaller engine water hose would also be needed. There would also be a pump house connected to a drain running the lenght of the fueling pad that would catch any over flow of fuel from the fueling proccess. The unit also seperates the fuel from the over flow of water. There would also be derails with attaching metal blue signs protecting the servicing tracks that could be raised or lowered.

NYC_George

I'm not to sure there were many environmental protections during our time period, the mid 60s. Your post brings up a great point though. Are most facilities equipped with underground or above ground piping?

As for passenger ops, we just run one thru train (Denver/Pueblo) so I'll probably just stick to servicing freight locos coming and going on the Platte Canyon spur.

[NYC_George]

Ya'll are giving me some good ideas. Anyone know who makes a good inspection pit? It would be easy enough to scratch them too.

Peco makes a inspection pit. Although the real pit in Brewster, NY was much wider being that a man could stand either under or next to the engine. It allowed the instection and adjustment of brakes with out bending down. The track was supported by I beam steel. On the older F units the windows would start leaking and the water would find it's way into the sand tanks. It was a easy job if the engine was over the pit to clean out the sand lines with a small steel rod.

NYC_George

[NYC_George]

I'm not to sure there were many environmental protections during our time period, the mid 60s. Your post brings up a great point though. Are most facilities equipped with underground or above ground piping?

As for passenger ops, we just run one thru train (Denver/Pueblo) so I'll probably just stick to servicing freight locos coming and going on the Platte Canyon spur.

There are four New York City reservoirs in Brewster. I was on the day hostling job and watched them install the unit in 1970 because fuel was being leaked into one of the reservoirs.

NYC_George

[jbaakko]

Peco pits, maybe two bashed into one?

[Trucula]

I can't wait to see what this becomes!..We just laid the track at our steam/diesel servicing area..we have a few items but are gonna watch what you come up with. We also have a rolling stock prep area that we have a car washer set-up and a caboose track with supply building. just still figuring how to tie it all together.

[grande man]

There are four New York City reservoirs in Brewster. I was on the day hostling job and watched them install the unit in 1970 because fuel was being leaked into one of the reservoirs.

NYC_George


Thanks much for the detailed info! :cool:

Speaking of reservoirs, do you ever remember seeing air reservoirs that were charged with train air to boost sand into the sanding tower? Jim Hedger makes mention of such an arraingement in his article. I was thinking that for a small time servicing facility the trackside air reservoir might be cool to model.

[grande man]

I can't wait to see what this becomes!..We just laid the track at our steam/diesel servicing area..we have a few items but are gonna watch what you come up with. We also have a rolling stock prep area that we have a car washer set-up and a caboose track with supply building. just still figuring how to tie it all together.

Don't get your hopes up to high, Bob. We're working in a small space... LGM and I are both looking forward to the project though. It should add interest to the layout and it's operation.

[grande man]

Hi all. I posted thm in wpf, but for anyone interested, here's the sanding tower and Rix tank... I built the tank to 29' so it doesn't overpower the scene. The sander still needs some fine tuning...

http://www.modelrailroadphotos.com/photos/data/514/Diesel_Facility_Project_002_edited1.jpg

http://www.modelrailroadphotos.com/photos/data/514/Diesel_Facility_Project_005_edited.jpg

[NYC_George]

Thanks much for the detailed info! :cool:

Speaking of reservoirs, do you ever remember seeing air reservoirs that were charged with train air to boost sand into the sanding tower? Jim Hedger makes mention of such an arraingement in his article. I was thinking that for a small time servicing facility the trackside air reservoir might be cool to model.

The sand arangement in Brewster, NY was some type of apparatus that attached under a hopper car of sand. The sand was then pumped up to the sanding tower by the yards compressed air. I never really took a close look at it but I know that's how it worked. The air was almost always pushing up sand. There were about 100 or so passenger cars in the yard at night. They were on the yard's compressed air to keep the brakes charged. They were also on the yard's steam to keep them from freezing up in the winter.

NYC_George

[grande man]

It sounds like all I'd need is a small compressor building, a pipe/hose from the house to the track (hopper) and maybe an air reservoir for a believable set up. Am I missing anything?

[NYC_George]

It sounds like all I'd need is a small compressor building, a pipe/hose from the house to the track (hopper) and maybe an air reservoir for a believable set up. Am I missing anything?

This is the best I could do Grand Man. I made a fast model of what I remember about the unit that pumped the sand to the tower in Brewster. I walked by it for 12 years and never once looked at it in any detail. It must have been movable though because it was under the hopper car. It did have a rubber hose that connected to the steel pipe that fed sand to the tower. There was a small wooden structure about 10 feet away. It must of housed something for the unit. I never looked inside I was thinking about golf back then, railroading was only a job. The hopper's door was slightly cracked and I thought it had some sort of crank attached. That's the best I could do for you. If you use this method Good Luck.

I still play a lot of golf.

NYC_George

5860

[grande man]

This is the best I could do Grand Man. I made a fast model of what I remember about the unit that pumped the sand to the tower in Brewster. I walked by it for 12 years and never once looked at it in any detail. It must have been movable though because it was under the hopper car. It did have a rubber hose that connected to the steel pipe that fed sand to the tower. There was a small wooden structure about 10 feet away. It must of housed something for the unit. I never looked inside I was thinking about golf back then, railroading was only a job. The hopper's door was slightly cracked and I thought it had some sort of crank attached. That's the best I could do for you. If you use this method Good Luck.

I still play a lot of golf.

NYC_George



Fantastic. I'll go for something similar. Could the wooden structure have housed the compressor? I'm planning to do a small compressor building out of styrene.

On another subject, I just noticed a photo of the fueling rack at Grand Junction in the early 80s. There was no concrete pad/walkway...:eek: I'm thinking that we'll have one though, it would simply look better. :o

[Alcomotive]

Check out Bill Kosandas fuel rack on his website when you get a chance. It is pretty nice....

[RexHea]

Eric, if you can remember my steam service area, there is a dryer/compressor house alongside the sand bin. Along with this was the pipe leading from this building to the included sanding tower. This was described as the air converyor used to move the dried sand. This was Walthers.

[HaggisKennedy]

What you need are a couple of two-wheeled box/drum on a cart; that's to empty out the toilet in the locos....

:D

Kennedy (Honey Wagon, MI)

[grande man]

Alcomotive, I looked thru Bill's pics and couldn't find the loco terminal. It's a great idea though because I've always been a huge fan of Bill's work. Maybe he can post a pic here.

Hey Rex. I'm going to go for an operation that would date a little later and will use a hopper for the sand supply. The theory would be the same on conveying the sand up to the tower with air pressure. I'm leaning toward a scratched compressor house but an air reservoir charged by locomotive air is still a possibility too. The tower has the fill line. It goes into the base, so an air line coming out of the compressor house or reservoir into the ground is called for.

I love how the Walthers kits give prototype background info.

Kennedy, The honey wagon is a great idea. There are some crappy jobs in this world. :D

[Alcomotive]

Grande man ~
I am sorry I was thinking of another layout...Bill does great work too but check this guy out here on our forum...go to his profile and pick his photo album...SWISSENGINEER

He has numerous shots of his facilities...great stuff

[OldGettysk]

Eric NYC- George is right about a steam line running through the compressor bulding for heat .Up North when temps. run below freezing we had steam heating up the air compressors to keep them for freezing up !!!!

[NYC_George]

It'll be a little while but I'll post pics. I've got to get started on the kits and be on the lookout for the new Peco turnout.

Hi Grand Man
I was just looking at the new issue of Model Railroad Craftsman. They have an article on train cars used as structures. In three of the photos covered hopper cars with the wheels off were used as sand storage. In one of the photos the car was cut in half and welded shut. They all seem to have some type of expansion tank next to the car. Maybe an expansion tank was in the wooden building at Brewster. I think a hopper car cut in half supported by some I beam steel is much more interesting model to create.


NYC_George

NYC_George

[sushob]

Hi Grand Man
I was just looking at the new issue of Model Railroad Craftsman. They have an article on train cars used as structures. In three of the photos covered hopper cars with the wheels off were used as sand storage. In one of the photos the car was cut in half and welded shut. They all seem to have some type of expansion tank next to the car. Maybe an expansion tank was in the wooden building at Brewster. I think a hopper car cut in half supported by some I beam steel is much more interesting model to create.


NYC_George

NYC_George

I saw that article too...certainly would make for an interesting model, especially since I have a few covered hopper shells in the scrap bin :D

The one that surprised me the most though was the box car bridge :eek:

[grande man]

Hi Grand Man
I was just looking at the new issue of Model Railroad Craftsman. They have an article on train cars used as structures. In three of the photos covered hopper cars with the wheels off were used as sand storage. In one of the photos the car was cut in half and welded shut. They all seem to have some type of expansion tank next to the car. Maybe an expansion tank was in the wooden building at Brewster. I think a hopper car cut in half supported by some I beam steel is much more interesting model to create.


NYC_George

NYC_George

I'll have to take a look at the article. It sounds interesting. I think we'll probably go with a hopper unloading track like you posted earlier though.

Paul, Thanks for the info. Ya'll are making this project more interesting and fun.

[NYC_George]

I'll have to take a look at the article. It sounds interesting. I think we'll probably go with a hopper unloading track like you posted earlier though.

Paul, Thanks for the info. Ya'll are making this project more interesting and fun.

After seeing that artical I almost bet the sand car in Brewster never moved. I didn't see it move in the 12 year's I was there. It was at the end of a dead end track by the sanding tower. They must of brought in sand from an outside source. That's why the unit was under the car because the car didn't move. They just didn't take off the trucks like the other railroads did. Do hopper car's have compartments in side? I bet only half the car was used because the unit under the car never moved to another door. Like I said I was more interested in sand traps back then and I only spotted engines to be sanded. The engine house personal took care of every thing else. There was a fireman nicked named HO Cole because he was heavy into model rairoading. I some times see him at train shows. The next time I see him I'll ask about it. I bet he know's every thing about it. I started modeling a inspection pit some time ago and never finished, I guess I'll finish it now. I'm also going to add the cut in half hopper car for the sand supply. It will be interesting to see how every one goes about this project.

NYC_George

[HaggisKennedy]

If it's a regular covered hopper, then probably it has compartments inside. If it was originally an open-topped that they covered up, then no, but during that conversion, the shop coulda welded a plate inside to partition it off.

I probably have the RMC, but haven't gotten around to reading it yet.

Kennedy

[grande man]

Just as an update to the thread...

http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5684

http://www.modelrailroadphotos.com/photos/data/500/F9_edited_Large_.JPG

http://www.modelrailroadphotos.com/photos/data/500/Test_Pic_Medium_.JPG