coaling tower question

[jim81147]

I am in the process of finishing a coaling tower now and have a color question .After looking around at coaling tower pictures ( all I have found are washed out older photos and black and whites ) I think that from what I can tell they were just unpainted wood and lots and lots of coal dust . Does that sound about right?

 

[KB02]

The ones that I have seen appear to be either painted tan or plain wood that has been stained with the same tar they used on ties.

Here is a picture of the old coaling tower that used to be in the town I live:

 

[Burlington Bob]

I did a search for railroad coaling towers but most were in black and white. I did find one that was in color....http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/data/railphotog/2012336622_Chama tower 24 Aug 2006.jpg. I think you would be on pretty solid ground on the coal dust aspect.