Prototype info.
Coal arrived on site in specially ‘Loco Coal’ branded wagons, the wagons were pushed up the usually 1/35 slope to the coal stage with typically a further 100' of track at 1:80 beyond the coal stage for loaded wagon storage. . When inside the coal stage the coal was emptied onto the steel floor and put into smaller tubs, which were then wheeled onto counterbalanced ramps extending out over the locomotive and tipped in. A protruding wooden shelter was provided at the tipping point for protection in poor weather. On top of the coal stage and forming the roof is typically a 72,500 gallon water tank to supply the various water columns around the engine shed complex. Mess room facilities were provided on the ground floor. An original working coal stage, similar to this model still exists at Didcot Railway Centre and on which this model is mainly based.
Tools and aids required:- High strength PVA dispensed through a precision applicator (such as the excellent Metcalf MT-907 ones), soft elastic bands, a cylinder of some form and tape for bending the roof, plus a pair of fine tweezers. Possibly a fine flat file. Paints of your choice.
Click on the coloured image to see the detail when painted.


