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Model and photos by Russ Kaufman Lehigh Valley "Standard" Tower

THE MODEL

This is an HO scale laser-cut micro-plywood kit, produced exclusively for the ARHS by The N Scale Architect.  (An N scale version will be available as part of The N Scale Architect standard line.)  Roofing material, glazing, and architectural details are included.  The model is based on official LVRR drawings for the "standard" five by three window tower with plywood awnings and coal house.   The price is $65.00.

An N scale version is available directly from The N Scale Architect (an ARHS member).

THE PROTOTYPE

The Lehigh Valley Railroad towers were instantly recognizable with their wooden awnings and attached coal house.  The drawings on which this model is based were produced in the LVRR's Signal Engineering Office in South Bethlehem PA, and are dated June 5, 1907.  Towers of the basic five by three window design, and variations on it, stood at

• Athens
• Bethlehem
• Catasauqua
• Cortland Jct (six by three windows)
• Coxton
• East Penn Jct
• Easton (later replaced by another design)
• Geneva Jct
• Lehighton (four by three windows)
• Manchester
• Niagara Jct
• P&L Jct
• Port Reading Jct (five by four windows)
• Phillipsburg (four by three windows)
• Pittston Jct
• South Plainfield
• State Line (five by four windows, stucco first floor)
• Tannery
• Treichlers
• Union Street in Allentown (later modified with a bay window in front and an addition in back)
• Van Etten (five by four windows)

and likely other locations that have not been documented.

Variations of the design can possibly be kitbashed from this kit by an experienced modeler.