Modeling Coal Tipples/Tower

[NW Modeling List]

This will be a bad news/good news message.  I currently use the photo and
drawing archives of three different RRHS's: NWHS, COHS, and NYCSHS.  The
technique for extracting stuff from all three is just a little bit
different, but none are very difficult.  If I can do it, anybody can. The
trick is to leisurely (not when you're fighting an article deadline) finger
your way through it.  Starting with the facts that they all use different
indexing/nomenclature systems.  But once you learn it, and remember which
one you're in, the efforts are well worth it.

And in case anyone asks, the reason the systems are different is that they
were set up by different programming types in Roanoke, Clifton Forge, and
Cleveland, and the guys who set them up had to pretty much write their own
programs, as at that time there was nothing off-the-shelf that was
suitable, and there was more diversity in some of the more popular programs
than now.  If memory serves, the first toe in the water of computers for
COHS was done on a TRS-80 (I probably screwed up the number)that may have
been steam driven (LOL)

Frank Bongiovanni

On Mon, Sep 8, 2025 at 1:42 PM NW Modeling List via NW-Modeling-List <
nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org> wrote:

> Thank you again, Ken! I couldn't image that the archives would not have a
> wealth of information. I merely used the wrong search terms.
>
> On Monday, September 8, 2025 at 11:17:33 AM EDT, NW Modeling List <
> nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org> wrote:
>
>
> Here is a search reference to some coaling facilities, both N&W and VGN in
> the Archives
>
> https://www.nwhs.org/archivesdb/listdocs/select.php?index=S&id=675
>
>
> https://www.nwhs.org/archivesdb/listdocs/select.php?index=search&Searchword=coal+wharf
>
> https://www.nwhs.org/archivesdb/listdocs/select.php?index=S&id=14
>
>
> https://www.nwhs.org/archivesdb/listdocs/select.php?index=search&Searchword=Norfolk+type
>
> Searching the archives can be a bit touchy, and not always what you expect
> to find with your search terms. These probably are not every possibility,
> but may help narrow it down.
>
> There are some excellent drawings available in the Archives on these
> things.
>
> Just so you know, I am not including a coal tipple in the search, as a
> tipple refers typically to a coal company facility for loading hoppers, not
> locomotives.
>
> But if you search for it, you can find some interesting facilities there
> as well.
>
> https://www.nwhs.org/archivesdb/listdocs/select.php?index=S&id=566
>
> Best
> Ken Miller
>
> > On Sep 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM, NW Modeling List via NW-Modeling-List <
> nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org> wrote:
> >
> > Thank you Marty. I will look for those books. The Archives has limited
> information....not as detailed as I would like.
> >
> > On Monday, September 8, 2025 at 10:55:27 AM EDT, NW Modeling List <
> nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org> wrote:
> >
> >
> > In addition to searching the NWHS online Archives, I would recommend two
> books, both written by Thomas Dixon and published by TLC:
> >
> > "Steam Locomotive Coaling Stations and Diesel Locomotive Fueling
> Facilities"
> >
> > "Steam and Diesel Locomotive Terminals and Service Facilities"
> >
> > Both break down facilities by type (wood coaling stations, concrete
> stations, etc...), and feature plenty of photographs and drawings,
> including N&W prototypes.
> >
> > Marty Flick
> >
> > -----------------------------------------
> >
> > From: "NW Modeling List via NW-Modeling-List"
> > To: "nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org"
> > Cc: "NW Modeling List"
> > Sent: Friday September 5 2025 6:45:40AM
> > Subject: Modeling Coal Tipples/Tower
> >
> > I am currently building a Gloor Craft (1980's vintage) N scale coaling
> tower.  As this is not N&W specific, I assume I cannot enter the modeling
> contest at a convention. That said, all the photos I have seen all appear
> radically different; therefore, if there is a book or resource of all of
> the N&W/Southern towers/tipples, perhaps the Gloor Craft model might be a
> close approximation of one.
> >
> > Assuming not, I would like to model a tower of a N&W or Southern
> prototype tipple/tower.  Digging around the archives, I found little that
> could help me. I obtained an old Model Railroader booklet on coal, however
> once again with the exception of a few photos, not much use.
> >
> > Could you gentlemen point me in the right direction? As this is in N
> scale, I am hoping I can find something not too detailed (but detailed
> enough). Am I on a fool's errand?
> >
> > Thank you in advance.  Steve Clark #4269
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