OO Gauge (OO9) Dolgoch style water tower

This is a water tower based on the one at the Dalgoch Station on the Talyllyn Railway. The tank sits on top of a slate brick tower with foot hold recesses, the rear has a supply pipe and a small overflow outlet on the side. Sitting under the tank is a wooden chute that is used to fill the boiler on the train. 

​The tower is approx 26mm square and 59mm tall

FAQ – Product FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly do I receive with this water tower model?

You will receive two grey resin-printed pieces: one water tower and one separate water chute. The photos showing a painted model on a layout are for illustration only; the layout, track, and trains are not included.

What is this water tower based on?

This model is based on the water tower at Dalgoch Station on the Talyllyn Railway. It features a slate brick tower with foothold recesses, a rear supply pipe, a small overflow outlet on the side, and a wooden chute under the tank used to fill a locomotive’s boiler.

What are the dimensions of the tower?

The tower is approximately 26 mm square and 59 mm tall. This makes it a compact scenic item that fits comfortably into most model railway layouts of a similar scale.

What material is the model made from?

The tower and chute are resin printed in grey. All supports are removed, and the parts are cleaned and cured by hand before being sent to you.

Is the model ready to place straight onto my layout?

The pieces arrive unprimed and unpainted, ready for you to prime, paint, and weather to match your own layout. You may also wish to do a little fine sanding where any support marks remain before placing it on the layout.

Is this a working water tower?

No, this is a static scenic model intended for display on a model railway layout. It does not store or dispense real water.

My tower arrived with a visible support mark. What should I do?

Some fine sanding may be required, as noted in the description. Use a fine sanding stick or fine-grit sandpaper to gently smooth the area, taking care around small details. Once primed and painted, these areas usually disappear nicely.

The chute or a small detail arrived broken in the post. Can it be replaced?

If the piece is damaged during shipping, please take clear photos of the damage and packaging and contact the seller. They will review the images and see what they can do to help.

What if I accidentally break the model after it arrives?

Resin can be quite delicate, so it is important to handle it carefully and avoid dropping it. The seller cannot be held responsible for breakages once the item has arrived, but simple breaks can often be repaired with a small amount of suitable model glue.

How should I handle and store the parts before assembly and painting?

Keep the parts in their packaging or a small box until you are ready to work on them. Handle them by the sturdier sections of the tower rather than thin details, and avoid placing heavy objects on top of them.

Can I modify or kitbash this water tower?

Yes, you can carefully modify the resin pieces using appropriate tools if you wish to personalise your layout. Just work slowly and gently, as resin is more brittle than plastic, and always test-fit any changes before gluing.

How do I attach the separate water chute to the tower?

Test-fit the chute against the underside of the tank to find the most natural position, then fix it in place with a small amount of suitable model glue. Hold it gently until the glue grabs, and allow it to cure fully before painting or handling.

Do I need to wash the parts before priming?

The parts are cleaned and cured by hand before shipping, so they are generally ready to prime. If you prefer, you can give them a light wash in lukewarm water with a tiny amount of mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and let them dry completely before priming.

What is the best way to prepare the surface for painting?

Inspect the model for any remaining support marks and gently sand those areas if needed. Once you are happy with the surface, apply a suitable primer for resin models in thin coats. This helps paint adhere better and brings out the slate brick and wood textures nicely.

How should I paint the slate brick tower and wooden chute?

After priming, use thin layers of paint to avoid clogging detail. Many modellers like to use darker tones for the slate brick, then dry-brush lighter shades to pick out the texture, and use wood tones with a wash for the wooden chute. Work slowly and build up colour and weathering in stages.

Can I weather the tank and pipework to look used?

Yes, once the base colours are dry, you can add light washes, dry-brushing, or weathering powders to suggest water staining on the tank, rust streaks on the pipework, and general grime around the overflow outlet and chute.

Do I need to assemble anything besides attaching the chute?

The listing includes the water tower and the separate water chute. The pieces come unassembled if needed, with all supports removed. In most cases, the only assembly is positioning and gluing the chute in place before or after painting, depending on your preferred workflow.