Of all the fascinating structures to be seen around a railroad, probably the most interesting of all is the Coaling Station (or as it is sometimes called, the "Coaling Tower"), with its hoist mechanism, receiving bins, chute and gate for delivering the coal into the locomotive tenders, and with its litter and crust of coal-dust over everything. This is a structure to fire the imagination and inspire the urge to super-detail. it was tall and imposing, it dominated the engine terminal areas of every railroad that burned coal.

Many Coaling Stations have a great deal of exposed, visible detail on every side, adding greatly to the interest of the vitally useful structure. The tower itself, the hoist mechanism, the receiving bins, the chute and gate mechanisms, and the inevitable litter and crust of coal-dust over everything gives it a character and fascination unique among structures for modeling purposes.

The kit is designed directly from original D&RGW construction drawings and prints, plus photographs and personal research trips to Durango and Chama. The model is as authentic as possible and incorporates such features as easy assembly on many full-size templates for deceptively complicated appearance of the completed model. It has double coal receiving bins, with "breaker grates", "75 ton capacity" suitable for either HO or HOn3 use. Detail molded plastic parts include thru- bolt heads, sprockets and sheaves. Extra parts for modifying to simulate the Station at Chama, precision-cut wood parts, real miniature black chain and of course our Profile Shingles are included. Area needed for this model is 5 x 6 x 8-1/2 inches tall.

• Easy assembly in many full-sized templates
• Double coal receiving bins, with "Breaker Gates"
• "75 ton capacity" suitable for either HO or HOn3 use.
• Cast detailed parts, including thru-bolt heads, sprockets, sheaves
• Extra parts for modifying it to match the Coaling Station at Chama, NM
• Campbell Profile Shingles for all roofs
• Precision-cut wood parts

Photo Information:
The last photo in the series above shows both the Coaling Station and RR Water Tank (kit #0356), click on the larger photo+ button and expand-out the photo to see its detail.

One of the most rewarding phases of model railroad building is creating realistic scenes with the wealth of detail that makes it "come alive." An example of this is shown with the last photo (both the Coaling Station and RR Water Tank, kit #0356), and then adding a cluster of items to secure that realism we all admire.

In this photo you'll see a gondola load of coal ready to be spotted over the receiving bins, and a locomotive about to take on water. Stacks of ties are ready for use to replace damaged or rotted ones (use Campbell's square "Bridge Ties' and stain them with creosote stain), a handcar is waiting beside the water tank just in case it's need, and of course there's coal spilled all around the front of the Coaling Station and around the underground receiving bins. Many railroad yard areas and engine facilities are surrounded by high fences, in this case a board fence, and off in the corner is a yard shanty for shelter in bad weather. Other details might well include a wheelbarrow and tools, oil drums, broken car and engine parts and all sorts of clutter. Use your imagination--it's fun!