Walthers Cornerstone
Empire Gas Works - Cornerstone Series(R) Plastic Kit

Bridge Crane (Ore Bridge)
Walthers Part # 933-2906, p. 425 Walthers 2012 HO Scale Reference
HO scale, $71.98, not currently in stock at Walthers, Expected: Unknown

Some dealers have received this item from Walthers in the past. Click here for a listing.

 
For over a century, the gas works was a fixture of American cities and towns. Long before natural gas and electricity were common, these facilities generated "coal gas" to power street lamps, home appliances and industrial machinery.
 
The gas was actually a byproduct, made by baking coal to produce coke. Running night and day, a variety of fascinating machinery and structures were needed, along with plenty of rail service and now modeling these facilities is easy, with a brand-new collection of HO Scale Cornerstone Series kits from Walthers.
 
Typical of buildings found at gas works everywhere, each has been engineered for easy assembly and to fit almost any layout. Decal signs and complete instructions are included too.
 
Measures: 10-1/4" 25.6cm Wide x 9" 22.5cm Tall Adjustable Length of 22, 24, 28 or 31" 55, 60, 70 or 77.5cm
 
Coal was the life-blood of any gas works and a ready supply was always on hand. Many plants were located alongside waterways, which allowed massive amounts to be delivered by ship. To reach into their holds, special bridge cranes with longer booms extending beyond the dock were used. These made quick work of unloading using a large clamshell bucket to stockpile coal nearby.
 
This impressive kit has a modular design and additional parts so you can build a longer or shorter version to fit your available space. With its superbly detailed steel truss work, operators cab, clamshell bucket, trolley and more, it will be a focal point of any scene. On the waterfront, it makes a great stand-alone coal dock, and its a natural at a steel works handling iron ore, coal, and stone.