Welcome to the
Picture 32page of the
FSMR websiteThis page shows the construction of the new treated water system tower
During the 90's era of preservation, the railway used a temporary tank on blocks to supply treated water direct to the loco's.
It was decided in 1999 that in order to improve the appearances of the station and increase the flexibility during public days, a distributed high volume treated water supply was needed. This would require a gravity fed storage tank to be sited at least 10 feet above ground in order to provide sufficient delivery pressure. A 2" bore underground plastic feeder network with tapping points at all strategic positions would be provided from the treated tank.
The first feed being the loco standing position on platform 2, which also has a separate mains water supply. A high capacity long reach folding water crane to be constructed to feed both tracks from this point as well as the loco-shed access spur.
The second feed was to be in the spur line from the triangle next to the signal box, using an existing water crane from the "old SMR" days. This is the point where loco's are held awaiting their train when the "straight in" public train service is operating, and allows a fully serviced loco to back on to the newly arrived train ready for a rapid departure.
The third feed was decided to be placed at the buffers between platforms 1 and 2 in order to water loco's "trapped" at the end of their trains during "straight in" running. This would be a simple flexible large bore hose from a ground point with a water crane planned in the future.
The water tower was constructed on a concrete plinth using spare cast iron pillars from the original station canopy with a frame affixed on top. Decking to be laid on top linked with access steps and a standard metal tank fitted on top. To create realism, replica side panels were constructed using box section, welded to form the square panels which were in filled using custom made vacuum formed plastic squares. This produces a very eye pleasing effect.
A smaller mixing tank is situated away from the main tank on the ground, and batches of made up treated water are pumped up to the head tank as required.