Walthers Cornerstone HO Scale Interlocking Tower Kit - 933-3071

Walthers Cornerstone HO Scale Interlocking Tower Kit - 933-3071 adds an essential railroad operations building to an HO scale junction, siding, yard, drawbridge, or passenger terminal. Based on towers used by railroads throughout North America, the structure represents the facilities where operators controlled nearby switches and signals. The kit features simulated wood siding, a shingled roof, an exterior stairway, clear window glazing, and simulated control rods. The completed tower measures 5 x 1-7/8 x 4" (12.7 x 4.8 x 10.2cm). Browse the complete Walthers Cornerstone model railroad buildings and structures collection for additional HO scale structures and layout-building options.

Interlocking towers helped coordinate train movements wherever multiple tracks, routes, or operating requirements came together. Tower operators controlled switches and signals through mechanical or electrical systems, preventing conflicting routes from being established at the same time. Buildings of this type appeared beside busy railroad locations from the early 1900s until centralized computer control replaced many local towers during the 1980s.

Model a Working HO Scale Interlocking

The Walthers Cornerstone Interlocking Tower includes architectural and railroad details for developing a realistic trackside scene:

• Based on interlocking towers used across North America
• Suitable for steam- and diesel-era railroad layouts
• Appropriate for scenes from the early 1900s through the 1980s
• Useful at junctions, sidings, yards, drawbridges, and station terminals
• Detailed simulated wood siding
• Realistic shingled roof
• Large upper-story windows for observing train movements
• Clear plastic window glazing included
• Separate exterior stairway
• Simulated rods for the mechanical control system
• Interlocking rods measure 5-5/8" (14.2cm) long
• Decal signs included
• Parts molded in appropriate base colors
• Easy-to-build plastic structure kit
• Finished tower measures 5 x 1-7/8 x 4" (12.7 x 4.8 x 10.2cm)

The tower can be positioned beside a track junction where operators would have a clear view of approaching trains. It also works near the throat of a classification yard, alongside a passenger terminal, or beside a movable bridge. Signals, switch stands, trackside relay equipment, utility poles, and maintenance workers can be arranged nearby to establish the controlled territory.

The included simulated control rods help represent an older mechanical interlocking system. These rods can extend from the base of the tower toward nearby switch and signal mechanisms, visually connecting the building with the tracks it controls. Ballast, cinders, cable runs, walkways, and weeds can be added around the installation to integrate it with the railroad right-of-way.

Several towers can be used along the same railroad to create a consistent family appearance. One might control a mainline junction while others protect a yard entrance, station approach, or drawbridge. For a later-era layout, the tower can also be modeled as an older structure that has been closed, repurposed, or preserved after its operating role ended.

Expand Your Walthers Cornerstone Railroad Scene

The Interlocking Tower fits naturally with Walthers Cornerstone railroad structures when developing a complete junction, yard, or mainline scene. It can also be combined with Walthers Cornerstone trackside structures to add supporting buildings and facilities along the right-of-way.

For a tower controlling tracks near a passenger terminal, browse Walthers Cornerstone HO Scale railroad stations and freight houses. Switch stands, signs, utility equipment, and other smaller components can be found among Walthers Cornerstone accessories and details.

For finishing and customizing the Interlocking Tower, browse Fusion Scale Hobbies' model railroad and hobby paint for painting and weathering the siding, roof, and trackside details, along with model building glue and adhesives for kit assembly.