Hotwater... why was this so huge? Did it double as an air traffic control tower?
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Hotwater... why was this so huge? Did it double as an air traffic control tower?
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We visited this 2 years ago on our trip out west. The views are amazing. The top is a museum.
Have Fun!
Ron
SantaFeJim posted:Hotwater... why was this so huge? Did it double as an air traffic control tower?
No, i.e. nothing to do with "controlling" anything. It is for public viewing of the entire UP yard complex, which I believe the largest railroad yard in the world.
We were there about six years ago, the company store was on the ground level and the view from the top level is spectacular. Great view of both sections of the yard. Run through trains pass about every ten minutes. Please notice its shape resembles the Golden Spike used to symbolize completion of the first transcontinental railroad.
If you go, please consider stopping at the small park immediately to the south of the Interstate interchange which has memorials to the military services as well as the North Platte Canteen.
John in Lansing, ILL
If you're in the neighborhood, this is another great place to visit. Well worth the price of admission and the self guided, self paced tour with narration headset is great. We had no idea it existed and when we stopped at the state's welcome center a local employe told us about it.
Imposing size of base might also be tornado resistance construction.
Chuck
John mentioned the North Platte Canteen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07DGeLvDw8I
How can you discuss North Platte without mentioning that beautiful Challenger?
SantaFeJim posted:Hotwater... why was this so huge? Did it double as an air traffic control tower?
Since it was constructed for the sole purpose of attracting tourists to view the North Platte yard, I suspect it was designed to accommodate large groups. I visited North Platte for work about 10 to 15 years ago, when this tower was just a thought/design that was proposed.
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