Walthers Cornerstone HO Scale Western Coal Flood Loader Kit - 933-3089

Walthers Cornerstone HO Scale Western Coal Flood Loader Kit - 933-3089 adds a massive modern coal-loading facility and realistic unit-train operations to an HO scale railroad. Based on large-silo flood loaders used in both eastern and western North American coalfields, this Cornerstone structure represents the high-capacity facilities developed to quickly load coal gondolas and hoppers. The adjustable-height loading silo, rooftop machinery, and modular conveyor system create an impressive rail-served heavy industry without requiring modelers to build an entire mine complex. As shown, the completed facility measures 32 x 4-1/2 x 16" (81.3 x 11.4 x 40.6cm). Browse the complete Walthers Cornerstone model railroad buildings and structures collection for additional HO scale industries and structures.

Modern flood loaders are essentially large trackside storage silos designed to load coal trains quickly and efficiently. Coal can reach the loader by conveyor from mines, preparation plants, or processing facilities located miles away, making this structure especially useful when layout space does not allow room for a complete mine. On the prototype, unit trains move slowly beneath the loading chute while individual cars are filled, creating a distinctive operation that can be recreated on a modern HO scale coal railroad.

Build an HO Scale Modern Coal Flood Loading Facility

The Walthers Cornerstone Western Coal Flood Loader combines a towering loading structure with modular components for creating a realistic modern coal-shipping scene:

• Based on large-silo flood loaders used in North American coalfields
• Suitable for layouts from the 1970s to the present
• Found in both eastern and western coal-producing regions
• Designed for modern unit-train coal loading operations
• Perfect for use with coal gondolas and hopper cars
• Simulated concrete construction
• Stackable silo sections provide adjustable structure height
• Can be built taller or shorter to suit available layout clearance
• Detailed rooftop machinery
• Rooftop railings and conveyor house
• Modular conveyor sections can be arranged in several configurations
• Conveyors can represent a connection to an off-layout mine or coal-processing facility
• Additional Modern Conveyor sections 933-3518 are available separately
• Can be combined with other Cornerstone coal and aggregate facilities
• Easy-to-build plastic structure kit
• Parts molded in appropriate colors
• As shown, measures 32 x 4-1/2 x 16" (81.3 x 11.4 x 40.6cm)
• Individual conveyor sections measure 7-1/16" (18cm) long

The Western Coal Flood Loader provides excellent operating potential for a modern freight railroad. Run loaded or empty unit trains through the facility, position coal gondolas or hoppers beneath the loading chute, and use the conveyor system to imply a much larger mining operation beyond the modeled scene. The tall silo also provides a strong vertical landmark that immediately identifies the surrounding area as a major coal-shipping operation.

Expand Your Walthers Cornerstone HO Scale Coal Industry

The Western Coal Flood Loader is a natural centerpiece for Walthers Cornerstone heavy industry structures when developing a large coal, mining, or bulk-material railroad operation. It also pairs naturally with Walthers Cornerstone industrial structures to create additional destinations and supporting facilities throughout a modern industrial district.

Combine the loader with Walthers Cornerstone railroad structures to expand the surrounding tracks, yards, and railroad facilities. Browse HO Scale Walthers Cornerstone buildings for additional structures that can help develop a complete coalfield or industrial railroad scene.

For assembling, finishing, and weathering the Western Coal Flood Loader, browse Fusion Scale Hobbies' model railroad and hobby paint for concrete, machinery, conveyors, coal dust, grime, and realistic industrial weathering effects, along with model building glue and adhesives for structure assembly and additional modeling projects.