EARLY Version LATE Version
(Let me say from the start that I am no expert when it comes to the history Maine's 2-foot railroads, so please feel free to inform me of any incorrect statements I may make!)
The Sanders Water Tank was located north of Phillips, Maine, and built for the Phillips and Rangeley Railroad in 1889. Later it became part of the Sandy River and Rangeley Lake Railroad. The original tank (the EARLY version) had tapered sides and was probably built the same year the railroad was constructed (1889), but by the turn of the century was replaced with the less elaborate, straight-sided (LATE) version. The tanks were enclosed in hopes the water would not freeze. The EARLY version has a vented cupola (clerestory?) at the top, but no smoke pipe. The LATE version may have had some means of providing heat, as it has a smoke pipe.
The LATE version tank is close in size to those used at other locations in Maine, and may be adaptable.
The foot prints of the two versions are the same (suggesting they were built on the same foundation). The O-scale models occupy a space 4 x 4-inches (10 x 10-cm) and the S-scale kits cover 3 x 3-inches (8 x 8-cm).
The cast metal water spouts for these models were specially made by our friends at Crow River Products (www.crowriverproducts.com), Leo and Randi Terrien. Both versions include our textured, scale thickness, peel-and-stick shake shingles.
NOTE: The centerline of the spout exiting the building is only about 8½-scale feet above the very bottom of the structure -- perfect for those Maine 2-footers, but somewhat short for larger steamers. If you're planning on using the towers for larger engines, you may want to increase the height of the foundation.
(free shipping on orders over $50 to the US)
Purchase the S-scale SANDERS WATER TANK, EARLY version kit, $45
Purchase the S-scale SANDERS WATER TANK, LATE version kit, $45
Purchase the O-scale SANDERS WATER TANK, EARLY version kit, $55
Purchase the SANDERS WATER TANK, LATE version kit, $55
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