Unidentified Metal Toy Train Station

[OhioZephyr]

I'm hoping someone can assist me with identifying this $10.00 treasure I found at York.

The base is four sections of pressed landscape steel soldered together. The building and steps are copper.  There is wire mesh screen in the round openings. The base is 12" x 8"and the building is 3" x 5", any help would be greatly appreciated. 

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UzvReE2APTc-Qy4rojoXBJjwdnG4wal6?usp=sharing

[OhioZephyr]

Having trouble adding an image. Please advise the best way to insert an image. Thank you

[pennytrains]

When you want to post a photo, copy the url and then click on the little box (right above where you type your post) that has a rectangle with a couple of triangles (mountains) and a dot in the upper right corner.  It's between the chain and the strip of film.  Then paste your url into the "source" box and click OK.  You may have better luck since it's your account.

The station looks home built.  It's definately not Lionel, Marx or Ives.

[Leverettrailfan]

In case you were unable to figure out the posting, here's your images:



Very interesting. My brain went right to Lionel because I knew in the prewar era they sold some buildings. But if Becky says it's not Lionel, I'm inclined to agree. If not a manufactured item, I wonder if it was built from plans of some kind. Very neat! Now I'm also itching to know more.
-Ellie

[mersenne6]

I agree with Becky - scratchbuilt.

[Flintlock76]

It could  be scratchbuilt, but scratchbuilding with sheet metal would require a pretty high level of craftsmanship plus the appropriate tools.  Most people scratchbuilding would have gone an easier route and used wood or heavy cardstock.

I'm guessing it's an import, but that's just a guess.  It could very well be scratchbuilt by one hell of a craftsman!

[OhioZephyr]

Thanks to all, for your comments, on the building and photo posting. 

I too doubt that it was homemade, between the copper/brass of the housing, the pressed steel base, and assembly. 

I'm planning on fabricating a roof, and carefully strip and repaint. 

Again, thanks to all. Hopefully, someone out there has more info. 

Jim

[Flintlock76]

OhioZephyr

I'm planning on fabricating a roof, and carefully strip and repaint. 

Good luck! That thing looks like it's spent a lot of years unsung and unloved in a garage, attic, or barn.

And I'll tell you what works well for window glazing, empty plastic milk jugs!  I cut strips out of the same and use it to block windows on MTH passenger cars, it saves me the trouble of putting people in them and also has the effect of brightening the light from the car's lamps. 

Putting people in passenger cars is a PITA, as far as I'm concerned.  Sometimes I have to cut the legs off to make them fit, which grosses me out no end! 

[OhioZephyr]

I love the idea of milk bottle jugs. 

thanks.