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How to Build a Model Train & Water Tower

One of the pleasures of model railroading is creating realistic scenes in miniature. In addition to towns, bridges and assorted buildings, you may want to add features to your railroad that would be needed for a real train. One possibility is a water tower, which would be used to refill the boiler on a steam engine. In addition to coal or wood, steam trains need large quantities of water to produce the pressure that drives the wheels. You can make a simple water tower for your railroad in an afternoon.

Things You'll Need

  • Thin cardboard
  • Craft glue
  • 1 inch diameter balsa wood dowel
  • 1/4 inch square balsa wood dowels
  • Spare model plastic
  • Candle
  • Tweezers
  • Model train
  • Track
  • Craft grass
  • Lichen
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut out a 2 by 6 inch cardboard rectangle. Roll it so the ends meet, and glue the ends together with craft glue to form the water tower tank. Set aside and let dry for an hour.

    • 2

      Cut out two 3 inch diameter cardboard circles. Glue the water tower tank centered on top of one circle. Cut a notch to the center of the second circle and slide one end under the other to form a cone. Glue the edges together and glue the cone on top of the water tank.

    • 3

      Cut a 2 1/2 inch piece of the 1 inch diameter dowel. Stand it upright and glue the water tank centered on top. Cut four 2 1/2 inch pieces of the 1/4 inch square dowel and stand the pieces at the corners of the tank, gluing the tops to the bottom of the tank. Let dry for at least an hour.

    • 4

      Cut a piece of plastic from an old model sprue to use as the water tank pipe. A piece about 2 1/2 inches long and 1/4 inch in diameter is ideal. Hold the plastic over a candle flame for a few seconds until it softens, then bend the plastic into an elbow shape with the tweezers to form the downspout.

    • 5

      Glue the downspout to the bottom of the water tank, then glue the base of the water tower to your model railroad near a section of track.

    • 6

      Spread craft glue around the board that is the base of the railroad, then sprinkle craft grass until the area near the water tower is well covered. Glue pieces of lichen here and there for bushes.

    • 7

      Ensure the section of track is properly connected to the rest of your railroad, then drive your locomotive up to the water tower for a fill-up.

Model Railroads
Model Railroads

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