History: Steam locomotives depended on fuel and water for the generation of their steam power. Of the two, an adequate supply of water was often the more serious problem. Maintaining the proper level of water in the boiler was of paramount importance. If there was too much, there would be insufficient space remaining for the required amount of steam to operate the locomotive--if the water was allowed to get too low, the boiler would explode with terrific force, scattering parts of the engine over a wide area, and killing the engine crew and an others in the vicinity.
For these reasons, water tanks were to be found along the right-of-way of every railroad operating steam locomotives, at intervals to assure a plentiful supply of water whenever it might be needed. Every town, hamlet and junction had a water tank, and others were placed between these point whenever required--often out in the country, completely away from civilization.
In the early years, tanks were all built with tapered staves, so the tank was smaller at the top. This was required because the hoops were riveted to the required diameter, and driven down on the taper of the tank until they were tight. Sometime in the early 1900's sectional hoops, with lugs for tightening were introduced. Most tanks from then on were built with straight sides. This is the style modeled in this kit. It is made of all-wood (sugar pine) construction, ready to be weatherized, with many parts pre-cut to size--Campbell's famous realistic shingles are included. Template drawings and instructions are also included. This is a 50,000 gallon tank.
Design: The design of this kit is the result of careful research, and the model is scaled from railroad drawings, photos and specifications to assure complete authenticity. The amazing realism is the result of the fantastic amount of detail which features more than sixty finely detailed plastic castings including 48 tank band lugs, pulleys, spout, counterweights, finial and "concrete" footings. There are templates for both regular height HO and HOn3 for easy assembly of a complicated-looking finished product. Easy to install tank bands, precision planked WOOD tank sides, individual floor joists, real miniature black chain, wire tie-rods and again our Profile Shingles are provided. Size is 4 inch diameter tank by 6-1/16 inches tall.
- Easy Assembly on Templates for deceptively complicated appearance
- Templates for both regular height HO and for lower HOn3
- Precision-planked Wood Tank sides
- Campbell Profile Shingle roof
- Individual floor joists
- Precision-planked Frost Box
- Real Miniature Chain
- Prototype Timber Caps
- Steel Tie-bolts
- Ladder
- Depth Gauge
- Hatch
