products__engine_service_pits

The following three kits could be installed on your layout sequentially as shown in our home page.

Ash residue in the fire box needed to be removed, and ash pits constructed of concrete allowed the dumping of hot ash and clinkers without burning the wooden ties. There were several systems employed and the one we have chosen to model is one that used a two track pit. The engine was spotted over the pit and the hot ash was dumped into the pit. A low-sided gondola car was spotted in the pit on the side track and the ash was periodically shoveled into this car by hand, since manual labor often was the least expensive. Our kit includes a Hydrocal cast pit, directly mounted to a wood composition base, and is designed to be installed from beneath your layout. The kit, with instructions, also includes a plywood ramp, cast metal support piers, strain rods, hose bib, ash rake, basswood I-beams, and a packet of ash.

Returning engines were cleaned to allow a thorough inspection. The washing area provided cleaning chemicals, steam, and water that was applied under pressure by a workman using a nozzle or steam wand attached to a hose. A metal or wooden platform provided footing and drainage. Our kit, with instructions, includes a wooden platform and several metal castings including a tank, valve and piping details, steam wands, hose and hose racks, short stepladders, and yard lights.

After a run, and before heading into the engine house for maintenance, the locomotive running gear would be inspected for damaged, loose, or broken parts. A concrete pit between the rails made the inspection easier. The main difference between an inspection pit and a repair pit was its location. The inspection pit was usually on an in-bound terminal track, and the repair pit was located on a stall track either inside or outside of the engine house where a locomotive could be disassembled and remain for days as necessary. Our kit includes a Hydrocal cast pit with steps, directly mounted on a wood composition base, and is designed to be installed from beneath your layout. The kit, with instructions, also includes a cast metal telephone box and two yard lights.

KIT NUMBER

STYLE

LENGTH*

WIDTH *

PIT/PLATFORM

WOOD PIT BASE

AP-414

Ash Pit

10-7/8"

3-3/4"

5/8"

11-5/8 x 4-7/16 x 1/4"

WP-407

Wash Platform

1-3/4" **

n/a

IP-420

Inspection/Repair Pit

11-1/8"

3-3/16'

1/2"

11-5/8 x 4-7/16 x 1/4"

*Dimensions shown are typical; actual may vary by +/- 1/16 inch
** Width of single platform; one furnished for both sides of track as shown