The Magic and Mystique of Engine Servicing Facilities If there is a land where dragons live, it lies before you. Ahead, dozens of the black monsters rest after battle. The sulfur smells of coal smoke, hot iron and oil mix in the hazy morning air. Not long ago, places like Peach Creek, Cheyenne, Roanoke, Portland, Altoona and Spencer shook with the passage of these giants. Whether it was massive articulateds, Queens of the high-speed passenger fleet, or lowly yard goats, steam locos of every size were refueled, repaired and made ready for their next assignment. And now, the glory days are back, in an all-new collection of seven HO Scale Cornerstone Series(R) kits from Walthers. Bigger Is Better Finally, you can model the support structures that your biggest and best engines deserve quickly, affordably and easily with Walthers kits. Typical American designs, they'll handle any loco from 0-4-0 to 4-8-8-4 and each fits in a space that makes them practical for any layout. Easy to Add or Expand Whether modernizing your existing terminal or building a new one, these kits are the perfect starting point. They're easily mixed and matched with other structures to capture the look of newer facilities built to speed operations. A Central Theme for Limited Space Like the feel of big-time railroading but think you don't have room? Think again! Now you can easily design and build a realistic terminal with plenty of action in a small area. It's a perfect way to display and operate your favorite locos too. And, a facility like this provides nonstop work for one or two operators. Adaptable to Many Eras Don't model the steam-era? Don't worry, you CAN use these structures on your layout! Facilities like these appeared in the 1920s and some are still in use today. A Complete Series of Kits This complete series of Cornerstone Series kits brings you everything you need to model ALL of the facilities you'd find in a typical engine service terminal. Authentic American Prototype Serves 3 Tracks Coal Delivery Shed Loaded with Separate Details Decal Signs Included Measures: Tower: 8-5/8 x 8-3/4 x 12-1/4" 21.5 x 21.8 x 30.6cm Dumphouse: 8-5/8 x 1-3/8 x 1-3/8" 21.5 x 3.4 x 3.4cm As larger engines entered service, many railroads found their older coaling towers couldn't handle the increased demand. By the 1920s, railroads began contracting with outside firms to build new coaling towers. Concrete was the material of choice as it was easy to use, affordable, fireproof and weatherproof. Based on an Ogle design, the Modern Coaling Tower will be a focal point in any engine terminal. And towers like this were also built on the mainline to refuel engines on the road. The model features realistic "concrete" walls plus detailed chutes and mechanisms. Like the prototype, it can serve three tracks at once, making it an ideal choice for maximizing service in minimum space. The same sturdy construction that made these towers appealing to railroads also made them hard to get rid of! With its metal parts removed for scrap, the tower could still be standing in a contemporary scene, a reminder of how things used to be.