@Thirdrail600v posted:Any thought on the awnings? I'am asking because the brick towers sometimes used them also and am considering doing the same. Not sure how to go about it though.
I don't plan on adding the awnings - too ornate for me. I do plan to add sunshades to the interior though. Surely this tower needs some method to block the sun with all those windows on 5 of the 8 sides of the octagon.
Another feature on the model and the prototype is the architectural detail above the windows. I was considering not using that and leaving just the clapboard siding there. However, I just reviewed photos of the former Pennsy tower now at Strasburg and sure enough, that same architectural detail is there. I may just keep that after all.
I found it also interesting that there is no evidence of any stairs to access the tower cab on the prototype. Maybe there is a ladder inside the bottom box structure to access the cab through a trap door in the floor? In any case, I like the stairs and I'm glad the model includes them.
Also, I believe there is a difference between a "signal tower" and an "interlocking tower." As I understand it, a true interlocking tower controls a system of switches and signals via mechanical linkages thrown by lever arms in the tower. A system of throw rods extended along the tracks to translate the mechanical motion of the tower levers to the switches / signals. It was called an interlocking because the mechanical linkages prevented inconsistent switch and or signal options to be set by the operator. I believe a signal tower simply had a tower operator to set signals and hand up train orders to passing train crews, but did not have interlocking levers. I'm not an expert, maybe someone who is more knowledgeable can chime in with the differences...
