OO Gauge (OO9) GWR Style water tower based on Buckfastleigh at the SDR

Water tanks were typically located at strategic points along the railway line, such as at stations, depots, or other locations where trains would stop for servicing. The tanks were often elevated above the track level to allow gravity to assist with the flow of water into the locomotive's tender. If you are running steam loco's then a water tank is a must!

This water tower was inspired by the tower at Buckfastleigh and consists of the main tower stand and tank. The tank has a recessed lip which supports the supplied acrylic disk, this can be painted to simulate water

Your order will come with the following  :
1 water tower support
1 water tank
1 acrylic disk

The tower is approx 70mm x 36mm x 91mm tall

This listing is for two resin printed pieces in grey, painted version shown is just for information only and is not supplied.

Water tanks are an important component of steam railways because they are used to store and supply the water needed to power the steam locomotives. Steam engines require a constant supply of water to generate steam, which is used to power the engine's pistons and turn the locomotive's wheels.

The amount of water carried by a locomotive varied depending on the design and size of the engine, as well as the length of the journey it was expected to make. Large locomotives could carry several thousand gallons of water, while smaller engines might carry only a few hundred gallons.

In addition to water tanks, steam railways also typically had coal or fuel depots where the locomotives could refuel. Together, these facilities allowed steam trains to operate over long distances without needing to stop for extended periods.

Finishing: All items are cleaned and cured by hand. They are unassembled (if needed). Ready for you to prime and paint.

We do our very best to remove support marks but some fine sanding may be required.

All pieces and parts come unprimed and unpainted with all supports removed.

Please do bear in mind that resin can be quite delicate so try to avoid dropping your parts! Sadly, we can?t be held responsible for breakages once your item has arrived. However, if the piece is broken in the post, please provide images and we will see what we can do to help.

FAQ – Product FAQs

What exactly do I receive with this water tower kit?

You receive three parts: 1 water tower support, 1 water tank, and 1 clear acrylic disk that sits in the recessed lip of the tank. All parts are supplied as grey resin prints, unassembled, unprimed, and unpainted. Any painted models shown in photos are for illustration only and are not included.

What are the dimensions of the finished water tower?

The tower is approximately 70mm x 36mm at the base and about 91mm tall when assembled. This makes it ideal as a compact but visually prominent steam-era lineside feature.

Is this model based on a real railway water tower?

Yes. The design is inspired by the water tower at Buckfastleigh, capturing the character of a typical steam-era tower used at stations and depots where locomotives stopped for servicing.

What material is the model made from?

The tower support and tank are resin printed in grey. The “water” insert is a separate clear acrylic disk designed to sit in the recessed lip inside the tank.

Is the model suitable for steam-era layouts?

Absolutely. Water tanks were essential on steam railways to store and supply water for steam locomotives, so this tower is a very appropriate scenic feature anywhere steam locos would pause for servicing.

Do you ship the model fully finished or do I need to do any work?

The model is supplied as two resin pieces plus the acrylic disk, all cleaned and cured by hand with supports removed. They are ready for you to assemble (if needed), prime, and paint. Some light sanding may be required to achieve your preferred finish.

My tower arrived with slight marks on the surface. Is that normal?

Minor surface marks can occur where print supports were attached. We do our very best to remove support marks during cleaning and curing, but some fine sanding may still be needed if you want a perfectly smooth finish before priming and painting.

The resin feels delicate. How should I handle it?

Resin can be quite fragile, especially around thin sections and edges. Handle the pieces carefully, avoid dropping them, and don’t apply excessive pressure when sanding or assembling. Once painted and installed on your layout, they will be much less likely to be damaged.

What should I do if my water tower arrives broken in the post?

If the piece is damaged during shipping, please take clear photos of the damage and contact the seller. While breakages after arrival can’t be covered, postal damage will be reviewed and they will see what can be done to help.

How can I fix a small crack or chip in the resin?

For minor damage, you can usually repair it with a small amount of cyanoacrylate (super glue) and, if needed, a tiny bit of modelling putty to fill gaps. Once set, gently sand smooth and then prime as normal. Always test-fit pieces before gluing.

The acrylic disk doesn’t seem to sit properly in the tank. What can I do?

The tank has a recessed lip designed to support the acrylic disk. If the disk is a tight fit, lightly check for any small bits of resin or paint in the recess and carefully remove them. If it’s slightly loose, you can secure it with a tiny amount of clear-drying adhesive around the edge, taking care not to fog the acrylic.

My parts don’t seem to sit square when I test fit them. How do I correct this?

First, ensure there are no small bits of cured resin or paint on the mating surfaces. Lightly sand any high spots, test fitting frequently. Because the model is supplied as separate pieces, a little preparation before gluing will help the tower stand straight and true on your layout.

How should I clean the model before painting?

Although the parts are already cleaned and cured, it’s good practice to give them a gentle wash in lukewarm water with a drop of mild dish soap. Rinse thoroughly and let them dry completely. This helps remove any remaining dust or handling oils before priming.

What type of primer and paint should I use?

Use a primer suitable for resin miniatures or plastic models, applied in thin coats. Once primed, you can use acrylic model paints or other hobby paints designed for miniatures. Thin layers will preserve the detail on the tower and tank.

How do I assemble the tower support and tank?

Dry-fit the tank onto the tower support first to check alignment. When you’re happy with the fit, apply a small amount of suitable glue (such as cyanoacrylate) to the contact areas and hold in place until set. Allow the glue to fully cure before handling or painting.

How can I paint the acrylic disk to look like water?

The acrylic disk is designed to sit in the recessed lip of the tank and can be painted to simulate water. Common approaches include:

• Painting the underside with a dark blue or green and leaving the top clear for depth.
• Adding subtle lighter streaks or dry-brushed highlights underneath to suggest ripples.
• Using a clear gloss varnish on the top surface to enhance the “wet” look.

Should I glue the acrylic disk in place?

You can leave it loose for easy removal or glue it in once you’re satisfied with the paint effect. If you do glue it, use a clear-drying adhesive sparingly around the edge of the recess to avoid fogging or smearing the visible surface.