I need to make a tower for my East Yard. I visited the tower about 20 years ago, so I sort of remember it. Here is the mockup. Today, I went to take some pictures of the tower. It is the same tower that I visited 20 years ago. Looks like I will be starting over on the concept of this structure. I don't know what I expected, but this tower is just barely that. It looks like it was to be temporary. I don't have to model it on my model railroad, but OTOH, it is unique, I think. Take a look and tell me if you have a similar yard tower near you. I am not referring to interlockings, but to yard towers. In any case, it is sort of interesting. I was behind the chain link fence, so pardon that.
Looks kind of like an über deer blind. Fire tower? Lot less material used to build it than your mock-up.
I like the mockup version better, (though it does have a "pagoda" feel to it. I'd offer to buy it from you but your work is worth more than I could justfy.
Flash, This is going to make an interesting project, I guess lots of styrene however the stairs maybe a little difficult?
Grey One: I will give you the mockup. It is so different than the original that what ever I do, it will be different. I need to wait to see how I like the "deer blind" look. The four legs are steel I beams. The electronics are at the bottom and the room for the controllers is at the top. This much detail would be a dust magnet, too. I am just undecided. Colonel, you can buy those stairs in styrene from Plastruct. Also, you could use Gold Medal Models stairs, but modified. Interesting that every bit of this is steel. Even the handrails are steel angles. You could go Plastruct/Evergreen and eventually put it together piece by piece. I remember the Soo Line yard tower in Chicago. CNW tower, too. They were all brick and had offices downstairs. BTW, notice that on the mockup that I did get the five floors right. That was about all that was right, though.
Is that Yard Tower still in service? Hmmm. Now I wonder how many such structures still stand, and are used as intended??? Boxcab E50
Yes, still in service. But the East Yard is not nearly as busy as it was 15-20 years ago. I guess most freights go coast to coast through here, unlike the old days.
Cancel that Mockup, Grey One. I chopped it up to make one that is more prototypical. I think this one does look better as it is like the prototype. It does look a little like an airport control tower but not so much like a deer blind. This one was made from paper (bristol board) and balsa wood. I may leave it in place for a while. I plan to build the actual one from styrene. BTW, this bristol board has one side that is a good representation of stucco plaster. I plan to try some stucco buildings next.
But where is the elevator? Or is that a more modern addition to the structure than the era you are modeling?
Russell: The tracks are close enough that I am going to put the elevator on the side away from the bridge, which is incorrect for the prototype. Maybe I can put a little box tube there to represent it. It is missing from the mockup, as you say.
Flash, looks great! (probably would have been to tall for mine anyway) Still, you inspired my design. Thanks!
Intersting project.... I just saw the tower in Asheville (NC) yard this week and thought: Gee, that reminds me of a fire tower! Harold
