There were actually two different engine houses that once stood on the same site in Ouray, Colorado.  The original Ouray Engine House was constructed in the spring of 1888 and was one of the first railroad structures built there.  Unfortunately, it was destroyed by fire on June 2, 1900, but was soon replaced by a very similar (but somewhat shorter) engine house that once stood at Sapinero, Colorado.   This second structure ("LATE") was also destroyed by fire in 1935 and was never replaced.   The kit is based on the second of the two engine houses, but also includes detail parts to do a decent portrayal of the original ("EARLY") structure. Even though there was a slight difference in length between the two engine houses, the most noticeable difference between the two is the roof vents.  In both cases, two styles of vents were used simultaneously, in pairs.   The original (“EARLY”) structure had round, metal vents, each with three “tiers” of different diameters.  Two smaller vents were used at the peak of the building, just off center of the ridge.  Two larger and very interesting vents were used for engine smoke exhaust, one for each track, located diametrically opposed from each end.

"LATE" Engine House

The second structure (“LATE”) used wooden louvers and “chimneys”.  The peak was vented by two short lengths of louvered clerestory, spaced equal distant from each end.  The engine exhaust passed up through two large wooden “chimneys” in place of the EARLY structure’s metal stacks.  The kit provides for both types of vents, so you can decide which you prefer.

The LATE version of the Ouray Engine House also had an odd arrangement of doors and door hinges, as the above photo illustrates.  The kit, however, includes parts for a number of different combinations, if you so choose.  Of course, the doors operate.

The roof of the structure is designed to be easily removed.  As you see, the interior is well detailed.  The roof trusses are 8 x 8 timbers, cut as a single piece from basswood.  The interior studding is in full view, with all the joints scribed for an even higher level of detail.  The windows have acetate glazing and also include the wooden interior frames.  Notice that the diagonal sheathing behind the studding is highly visible.  Each wall is made from 4 individual layers of peel-and-stick plywood overlays.

The structure measures 6 1/2 x 12-inches (16.5 x 30 cm) and the tracks are spaced 2.46-inches (62.5 mm) center-to-center.  Even though the design adheres closely to the dimensions of the LATE structure, I've made sure a C18 class engine easily fits through the doors.  Each opening measures  2.08-inches wide x 2.58-inches high.  It's a tight fit, but, yes, if you want to get your K27s inside, they'll fit, but just barely.  An optional construction method detailed in the instructions also describes how to enlarge the door openings slightly for additional clearance.  (NOTE:  if your K has a spark arrester on the stack, you will need to add a layer of 1/8-inch thick basswood to the foundation for clearance.)



Once again we have included a thorough instruction manual.  It's 26 pages long and includes 28 photos and two Parts Layout Diagram pages.  As always, the windows and roofing (6 pages of our own special shake shingles) are laser cut, peel-and-stick.  Suggestions as to how to finish your model and what tools to use are included.