Soutwestern Railroad Steam Facility Page

	Click on the pictures for a larger view: An overview looking East. The coal tower is a N Scale Architect kit. The coal dump and ash dump are part of the kit. I scratch built the ash pit grate as it was not included in the kit.
	This close up gives a better view of the ash pit grate and one of two water columns. The ash pit grate handles both tracks.
	I used some odds and ends to add detail to this water column casting. The pulley is a Detail Associate's etched brass brake wheel. Some additional brass wire, fabricated pull handles, and even a pewter bell casting complete the look.
	Looking west is this view of the coal tower and coal dump track. The old caboose rests on a railroad tie foundation. It is used for tool and supplies storage. A small tanker sans trucks rest in a clay lined pit for fuel oil storage for those few oil burners. The sand house is a JV Craftsman kit. The sand is real sand finely ground using a mortar & pistol.
	The sanding tower (scratch built), supply line from the sand house w/ support tower, hoses and work platforms are in place. This is prior to painting. The sand tower ladder with safety cage is from Gold Medals.
	Close up of the work platform (one of two). This was made from Gold Medal etched brass stairs and etched brass industrial platforms w/railings along with additional brass wire for platform legs and railings.
	The tower is painted and weathered. The supply line (arrow) and feed line (arrow) are also painted and weathered. The joints are made from wire insulation.
	This shot shows the completed assembly of sand tower, support posts, supply and feed lines, hoses, and work platforms. The platforms are weathered black and hard to see.
	The completed facility looking South West. Completed features are: ash dump, water columns, coal tower, coal dump, sand tower with work platforms and drying house, fuel storage tank, supply house (old caboose). Track leads and switches are installed.