4: Remove the micro-
wave dish from the top
of the tower.
3: Begin disassembly of the
microwave tower by cutting
the wires at the base.
installation, we can begin constructing our own vignette
using an accessory commonly found in the scrap bins of
many train show vendors – the Tyco Microwave Tower.
Originally marketed in the Tyco Light-Ups line, this model
is still available today from NJ International (#525-1974).
Although it's unreasonably short for its intended microwave
installation, its 38’ scale height and lattice framework make
it ideal for kitbashing into a base station antenna tower.
First step: Disassembly
Initially produced in the 1960s, the Tyco tower is typi-
cal of many older accessories, with thick paint and copi-
ous amounts of glue making disassembly the first step in
enabling the tower to be tailored to its new use.
As this was designed as an operating electrical accessory,
we’ll begin by cutting the two wires extending between the
rear of the base and the microwave dish at the top of the
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