Chama Oil House Info/Pics Wanted

I've been working on my 1/24 scale model of the Chama oil house and a few questions arose. I've always liked this building and i thought it'd make a good candidate for my first structure.

I have cropped this 1947 Ralph E. Hallock photo I found on the DPL to make it easier to see the details of the building. I'm sure y'all can answer some of these!


1. I realize the north end of the building, with the steel doors/windows, housed oils and lubes, but what was the rest of the building used for back in the Grande days?

2. What were the 2 "signs" on either side of the steel-covered window?

3. What was the larger door used for in the center? Notice the hanging hook over the top.

4. What would the "poster-looking" sign say next to the door?

5. I think those are awnings placed over the doors to diffuse rain??

6. What is going on inside of the framework connecting the engine house with the oil house?

7. Is that an air hose or a water hose coiled up under the small window?

Some of the doors and windows seem to have been replaced with a different style at some point, as they are different on the building today.

Anybody got any good photos like this from back in the day? Color is a bonus for us model builders!

I'll post a photo of the model if anyone cares to see it.

Cody Akin
Irving, Tx
"Rio -Gran"de