Round concrete coaling tower dimensional info wanted

[nickelplate759]

I need to build a model that approximates the round concrete coaling tower that NKP had in Calumet.  It had one coaling track under the tower and another along side it.  Walthers has a model of a similar (but smaller) tower in HO, but I'm pretty sure no one make a model that's close in N scale.
Here's a link to a picture of the real thing (long gone):


I don't need an exact set of dimensions of this prototype, but that would be a great place to start.   Does anyone have a pointer to drawing of something close?

[Mark5]

Tough one. Closest thing in N is probably this old N Scale Architect kit: https://thenarch.com/products/somerville-junction-n

Mark

[sirenwerks]

I checked the repro of the 1930's Fairbanks-Morse coaling station catalog I have and it doesn't seem to be one of theirs. Sorry I couldn't be of assistance.

[nickelplate759]

Tough one. Closest thing in N is probably this old N Scale Architect kit: https://thenarch.com/products/somerville-junction-n

Mark

That's a beautiful kit but it's way too big.  I just want to find out approximate dimensions of the real thing to work from.
Last resort is to try to derive dimensions from photos.

[eja]

If you can identify the loco, it shouldn't be too hard to find line drawings of it including dimensions.

It should not be too difficult to extrapolate the tower's dimensions from that. Or use the height of the RR works (say 72 inches max), stack 'em up and you have approximation of the height of the tower.

[ksmiley]

I'd go with extrapolation. As said earlier, you can get height from the guys standing next to it. The width/height of the opening looks like N scale standards gauge. Those legs look about 2ft wide and at that point you have an approximate diameter of the coal hopper(?) or that round concrete thing...

[nickelplate759]

So far every picture I've found is from the "ends" - usually showing a locomotive under the tower.  I haven't found a side view yet.  That's going to mean some serious guessing...

[glakedylan]

info on locomotive can be found here:


https://www.steamlocomotive.com/locobase.php?country=USA&wheel=2-8-4&railroad=nickelplate#52


unfortunately no data for height


sincerely
Gary

[Cajonpassfan]

George, I’m surprised the NKP society or some of their members don’t have information for you. This is a relatively modern structure and should be documented somewhere, just getting the radius right would go a long way. I enjoy doing this kind of research and came across a posting and photos by a Jack Bejna on Trainorders you may want to pursue.
One more thing: the Berk running board scales to 9’-7” above the railhead.
Good luck!
Otto K.

[samusi01]

Something to consider: if you can find an aerial image with the tower, place it in Google Earth and measure from there. Won't be exceedingly accurate but it'll at least give you an idea of dimensions. Dropping multiple 80MB+ images into GE does tend to cause performance issues though...

[glakedylan]

FWIW: in thinking about this coaling tower and modeling it, it seems to me that there are basically two goals: (1) model as prototypical as possible with spot on dimensions, or (2) model as to look right even if it is a rendition that does not precisely meet the prototypical dimensions.


from the 2nd perspective, the base of the tower looks to be about the same height/width as a tunnel portal. i suppose one could actually use a concrete modeled portal as a beginning?


the diameter then becomes equal, or 'relational-ly', to the base. with a diameter, the height of concrete tower becomes what proportion looks right with that diameter.


but, then, one might wish to be more accurate in the dimensions along the line of the first perspective.


sincerely
Gary

[DKS]

"Guessing" really isn't necessary. The height of the locomotive should be known. Then, start from where the shadow crosses the loco (just forward of the cab, looks like), and work from there. The shadow is almost perfectly perpendicular to the structure, fortunately, and the photo is from sufficient distance that there's not too much vertical parallax distortion, so it should be fairly easy.

Specifically:



Determine X. Then the rest will fall into place. (Note minimal parallax distortion, pink lines.)

Alternatively, you can use "arbs," or non-standard measurement units. X is a perfect starting point. How many X's is it wide, high, etc.?

[nickelplate759]

All good suggestions, thanks!

The NKPTHS doesn't have dimensions for this tower, and I've never found an aerial photo from the time when the tower was standing.  My goal is to create a model that looks about right on my layout, not one that is 100% accurate in dimensions.  So, yes, scaling off of known dimensions in the photos is almost certainly how I must proceed.  I'd really like to find a side view of the tower as well, but so far no luck.

[DKS]

I'd really like to find a side view of the tower as well, but so far no luck.

I'd be more interested in what's going on above the top of the photo...

[samusi01]

I did do some checking at the USGS site earlier this morning and the images I found (1:20000) weren't helpful. Perhaps there are other sources of aerial photos.

Per DKS, I use 'arbs' a lot in trying to figure out dimensions from old photos. The photos online I've seen of other NKP towers leave me puzzled; they have fairly substantial structure at the top of the structure. More photos of this coaling tower would be indeed helpful.

Sam