Wanted prototype dimensions of the Collinwood Coal Tower in Cleveland, Ohio

A marvelous and enormous structure. Saw it in about 1986; glad to see it is still standing. Looks like it had 5 chutes, or double chutes X 5. Wonder how many locomotives called upon it each day? Is it similar to the structure that stood (until recently?) in Rutherford, PA? Sorry don't know any of the dimensions. Maybe the New York Central Historical Society would be a good source.

Mark,

I can't answer your questions, but seeing the round house and yard I would say more then one. This was one of my play grounds back in the 60's

A possoble source that you can pose your question to is:  New York Central Historical Society....

Marty

NYCSHS does not have many drawings for structures. Most of the NYCSHS drawing collection consists of motive power and rolling stock. I am positive that we do not have any drawings for the Collinwood coaling tower.

I'd try either the Cleveland Public Library or the Western Reserve Historical  Society for drawings and/or dimensions. It's amazing what stuff they have squirreled away in there. Good hunting.

Are you anywhere near Cleveland where you can check out their historical societies

and library?

Here are a few links that may help you:

Historical photos and a "data works" document on that coaling tower

Photo at the Library of Congress

Second photo at the Library of Congress

More info at the Library of Congress

In this photo you could measure the distance between the two rails that still run under the tower and use that to figure how wide it is between the columns. You could then use that to help extrapolate the height from the photo you posted above.

Jerry

According to page 9 of this document at the New York Public Library, the records of the NYC's territory between Cleveland and St Louis were transferred to the Ohio Historical Society.  You might check with them to see if they have the building plans.

Incidentally, Jerry's suggestion above is the approach used during WWII to analyze aerial photographs for intelligence purposes.  You might post a request for assistance from any veterans of "aerial photography interpretation" in the military.

You could also try the PRRT&HS they have a large number or drawings and may have acquired some information after the merger.