Nostalgia & History > How common was it to wash the coal?

Picture 1 is from the Denver Public Library Digital Collections,

http://cdm16079.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm

In picture 1 what are the purposes of the two columns left of center. Is the item in the lower left of the picture a turntable?

Picture 1, “Call Number: Z-11019. Title: Four Rio Grande ‘3600’ class engines at Minturn. Creator(s): Trout, George A. Summary: Denver and Rio Grande ‘3600; Class locomotives (2-8-8-2) are stopped near a coaling station, coal washer and water column in Minturn (Eagle County), Colorado. Lettering on the locomotives reads: ‘Rio Grande 3602’ and ‘3617.’ Date: 1953 September 6. Photographers information stamped on verso of print with: ‘negative no. 1628.’ Title inked on verso of photographic print with: ‘1/125 @ F8, Ansco Superpan Press, no filter.’ Physical Description: 1 photographic print; 8 x 10 cm. (3 x 4 in.). Source: George A. Trout.”

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Picture 2 is from the Eagle Valley Library District Digital Collections,

http://evld.pastperfect-online.com/36281cgi/mweb.exe?request=ks

It appears from the position of the coaling station in picture 2 that the possible turntable in picture 1 could be in front of the roundhouse.

Picture 2, “Roundhouse, Minturn, Colorado 1930s.”

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The bery tall one with the "tank" on it is the sand colum for putting sand in the sand domes of the engines. I the small crane looking thing just left of it: I am not sure what it is.

None of it is for washing coal. They did not do that.

Structure next to the sand tower is for removing the ash from the ash pit.

Tower furthest to the left appears to be the center arch of the turntable.