Dave Lotz has fessed up that he was the person who said silver, and he backed it up with a color photo, albeit in 1971 in the BN era that he may choose to share.
I think he is of the opinion it was silver or white/light gray in the steam era. Even in black and white, the photo of both tanks together clearly shows that the roundhouse tank was dark (we know it was mineral red from color photos well into the diesel era)
and the tank near the depot is very light by comparison, so it couldn’t have been mineral red. That only leaves white, cream, or silver (aluminum). The best photo of the depot tank is on page 91 of BB#23.taken in 1944.
Nelson Moyer
From: CBQ@groups.io [mailto:CBQ@groups.io]
On Behalf Of Rob Adams
Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2020 2:35 PM
To: CBQ@groups.io
Subject: Re: [CBQ] Color of Wooden Water Tanks
Nelson and others;
I'd agree that the Clarinda tank is white in the photo image that Nelson has shared, though given that the image is relatively recent (based on the freight cars in the background) and definitely BN-era or later during which lots of structures were painted
white, I'd be VERY reluctant to conclude that any active pre-1960's CB&Q-era water tank was white unless presented with "color" photographic documentation or structure painting guidelines that apply to the era.
I also agree that the tank at Burlington in BB#30 definitely appears to be a "light" color in one steam era photo. I inquired about that same photo during the late 1990's and was told by at least one knowledgeable CB&Q modeler that it was a silver/aluminum
color. I still find that to be plausible based on how some other steel structures were painted during the era, but unfortunately am unable to provide any definitive evidence to support the assertion.
Perhaps Archie, Hol or one of the other Q experts can provide additional context or clarification.
Regards,
Rob Adams
Wellman, IA
On 4/7/20 10:05 AM, Nelson Moyer wrote:
Keith,
I attached some photos I took (Batavia and Yarmouth) and some of unknown origin (Clarinda and Bevier).
The Clarinda steel tank was white, so I think the Burlington depot tanks was also white, not silver as someone suggested earlier. The Yarmouth tank was moved to
the Old Thrasher’s Reunion grounds, and I’m pretty sure the steel platform was newly constructed when it was moved. There is another tank photo in one of the Spoor color books of a wood tank in MO, but I don’t recall the name of the town.
Nelson Moyer
Thank you for the photo and the list of dimensions. That is very helpful. Is there any evidence of the CB&Q having a two-spout (two track) water tank or a wooden tank painted
a light yellow? Stay safe.
--
John Robert Adams
Wellman, Iowa
