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.  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, S-scale

The second structure (“LATE”) used clerestories with wooden louvers and square “chimneys”.  The peak was vented by two short lengths of 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 S and O-scale kits provide for both types of vents, so you can install which ever you prefer.

The LATE version of the Ouray Engine House also had an odd arrangement of doors and hinges, as the above photo illustrates.  Most noticeable is that the diagonal boards used on the leftmost door do not fit the typical pattern -- they do not "oppose" those of the door next to it.  Obviously, the builders weren't paying attention when they mounted the hinges to hang the doors.  Sufficient parts are included in both the S and O-scale kits to build the doors in a number of various configurations.  Of course, the doors operate.

The roof of the structure is designed to be easily removed.  As you see, with the exposed framing and diagonal sheathing, the interior is well detailed and very interesting.  For the S-scale kit, the roof trusses are 8 x 8 timbers cut as a single piece from basswood.  For the O-scale kit, the trusses are constructed from three layers of peel-and-stick plywood to minimize warping.

Each wall is made from 4 individual layers of peel-and-stick overlays.  The S-scale's stud work is cut from a single piece of plywood, while the O-scale's framing is made up of various (peel-and-stick) 1/8-inch basswood components that all fit into pre-cut grooves.

The S structure measures 6 1/2 x 12-inches (16.5 x 30 -cm), the tracks are spaced 2.46-inches (62.5 mm) center-to-center, and the door openings measure 2.1(wide) x 2.55-inches (high).  Even though the design adheres closely to the dimensions of the LATE structure, a C18 class engine easily fits through the doors.  If you want to get your K27s inside, they'll fit, but just barely.  An optional construction method detailed in the instructions 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.)

The O-scale structure measures 9 1/4 x 17-inches (23.5 x 43-cm), the tracks are 3.4-inches (86.4-mm) center-to-center, and the door openings measure 3.0 (wide) x 3.75-inches (high).  The design stretched the prototype's dimensions enough to allow a K27-class engine (and most K28s) to fit inside.

Because they are based on the narrow gauge prototype, the S-scale kit works wonderfully as an HO standard gauge facility, as does the O-scale kit for an S-standard gauge engine house.






Once again we have included thorough instruction manuals.  The S-scale manual is 26 pages long and includes 28 photos and two Parts Layout Diagram pages.  The O-scale manual is 27 pages long and contains 31 photos.  Suggestions as to how to finish your model and what tools to use are included in both manuals.  Both kits include specially mastered and cast vents for the EARLY version.  The O-scale kit includes 13 sheets of corrugated roofing for the main roof and shake shingles (peel-and-stick) for the clerestory vents.  The S-scale kit includes six full sheets of our peel-and-stick, to scale, textured shake shingles.  (Note, the track shown in the photos is not included in the kits.)

These kits, although relatively easy to assemble, build into beautiful, extremely high quality models you will be proud to own and display.  Our Engine House Detail Set (DP1007, $79) is the perfect compliment to the O-scale kit.