I don't understand why 35K & 55K gallon water towers are only made in brass. I know, at one time, Walthers offered one but it seems no one else did. Yet whenever this type of tower is for sale it sells in the hundreds of dollars. Am I missing something? Why are they not available in plastic.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Trainmstr posted:I don't understand why 35K & 55K gallon water towers are only made in brass. I know, at one time, Walthers offered one but it seems no one else did. Yet whenever this type of tower is for sale it sells in the hundreds of dollars. Am I missing something?
Well, yes. There is not THAT much demand for those large water tanks, in O-Scale, as there is in HO, thus "low production volumes" would be made in brass. Probably why they are so expensive today, due to their rarity, especially the SP/UP Harriman style. The same goes for the highly detailed brass movable water columns by Max Gray and PSC.
Why are they not available in plastic.
Unlike HO, there apparently is NOT a large enough market in O-Scale for those big steam locomotive servicing terminal water tanks.
Lionel made a 55,000 gal water tower 6-16861 in 2010: A weathered/lighted one 6-37944 in 2010:
Both were $149.99 MSRP
MTH has made this operating one a few times 30-11208:
MSRP $99.95
Lastly, Broadway Limited is in the process of making some operating water towers with sound, MSRP $149.99
They are offered in a choice of decoration: http://www.broadway-limited.co...tingwatertowero.aspx
I think he is referencing the water tower like the one Atlas made. No spout.
The nicest O scale water tower that I have ever seen is the one made by Dave Duhamel of Crescent Locomotive works. Made 100% of wood, very finely detailed, hand stained/ assembled and lighted. It is a laser cut structure and is absolutely beautiful. I have two on my layout. I would have built one but Daves stuff exceeds my high standards
The brass water towers dispense only Perrier.
Hmmm. I have an unopened Walters kit. I wonder what it will fetch? I also obtained the Weaver brass one at a great price but it's hot alot of detail.
If the O.P.is upset of the price on the water tower, wait til he attempts to find a Weaver model sand tower!
You can usually get the Walthers one on ebay for a decent price. I did and it was never assembled. I also go the brass tower that Weaver made from under $130.
MTH with a decent paint application. ladder is way out of scale.
The weaver tower is awesome, not cheap, but then again what in this hobby of any quality is cheap?
I picked up a sealed Cornerstone O Water Tank and Columns at York about a year ago. Red Hall. $30. They're around.....show up on the internet auctions now and then.
HOWEVER...... I have it on good authority that Atlas....the current owner of the old Walthers Cornerstone O structure tooling...is soon to re-release this kit under their own moniker. It WILL return. Maybe not at the $30 msrp level, but I doubt at the brass-and-Perrier level, either. Take heart.
And, let's not digress THIS reference to Atlas with the gnashing of teeth occurring elsewhere on the forum.........please? I'm sure the self-flagellation for the overseas sourcing decisions/miasma has been sufficiently rendered throughout the industry.
Peace.
KD
There was never a water tank I liked as much as scratch building my own. Spend three months of evenings to get this one complete. It uses a stand pipe verses a spout on the tank.
Bob
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
