Coal shed

[tstage]

I'm hoping that some of you experts may be able to help me out with this.

I recently purchased a Tichy coal shed. (Photo below)



In the directions, they tell you that the main shell was made out of concrete and should be painted so. This particular coal shed also has window openings with window frame inserts, but no mylar comes with the kit to simulate glass. There is no indication in the directions that there would be.

My question is: Were the windows in a Fairbanks-Morse coal shed normally open - i.e. to the elements? Were the windows merely grating (like rebarb or wood) that set inside the window opening? I'm trying to figure out what color to paint the windows so that it is prototypical.

Thanks for your help!

Tom

[Mark300]

Lets see.......just looking at the windows and remembering form follows function.....either they are fixed 12 lite wood frames OR they are wood casement (pivotted on the side) or wood awning (pivotted from the top) windows.

The windows would have been operable since manpower would have to work/live/breathe in the hot summer.....and coal gas was one of those by-products of a bygone age that could cause real problems if not vented quickly.

They would have been primed white and generally coated with whatever struck the fancy of the Foreman directing the construction.......usually white, black or a dark color that wouldn't show the soot too badly.

As the building ages, the MOW folks will repaint....usually when someone breaks the glass and use whatever is on hand or suits the operating manager of that particular branch.

Neat look'n building that should add interest.

HTH & Happy railroading.

Mark