Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Water Tanks and Park

An engineer's view of the new water tank and windmill at the Oakdale depot.
In my scenicking work at Oakdale, I had left the last eight inches on so next to the aisle for last so I wouldn't be continually undoing my work. I've finally gotten to the point where I have been able to work on this area.
The small engine facility here needed a refueling and watering ability so I built one of the typical CP/SP enclosed water tanks along with a small shed
for the storage of firewood. A windmill was also built to pump water into the tank.
   The spout on the tank was a Grandt Line product while the windmill itself was built from an etched-brass kit formerly made by Sheepscot Models. The vane lettering was taken from a period Fairbanks-Morse Eclipse windmill of the turn-of-the-century.
 
Railroad Park just south of the water tank. Wood posts keep errant wagons from encroaching on the park.
 Adjacent to the prototype water tank at Oakdale was a small park. I have not yet been able to locate photos of this park but railroad drawings seem to indicate just some trees and a large expanse of grass. My version also contains a number of paths and flower bushes to add some interest.


   Last night, I painted about ten new figures for the railroad. I find that figure painting is very relaxing for me and I use mostly Preiser old-time figures.   The gentleman on the left is standing slightly away from the  rest of the traveling public since he is reading a rather racy periodical of the time, the Police Gazette. You could always identify the Gazette since it was printed on pink paper to make it stand out.

2 comments:

  1. Hi Don -- I found your blog from the comment you left on mine. Love your railroad - my oldest son is a big train buff - we've rode on trains all over the US - I'm a bit familiar with the Oakddale area, we lived in Modesto for 3 years. My son was young then and has vivid memories of riding on a live steamer in Sacramento and riding the train in Jamestown. Truly enjoyable!

    I love all the details in your layout and recognized the references to Stanislaus County.

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