Hey people,
I'm starting to compile some info/plans for my upcoming layout and I'm having a tough time finding info on Boston's old North Station. Does anyone have any ideas to where I can find track layouts, old photos, etc.? The era I would like to model would be post 1928 after the original "Union" North Station was demolished to make way for the Boston Garden and the "newer" North Station platform. I'm not looking to model the TD Banknorth center or the modern North Station platforms. Any help would be much appreciated.
Thank you.
Bostonian
Try and find a local library with access to Sanborn Maps. You are likely looking for a college library. Also improvements were also reported to the ICC which included maps and plans, that would involve more research and travel than you may be willing to do.
A quick google found this:
http://66.230.220.70/images/post/medieval-boston/1934.jpg
It looks remarkably similar to the current plan.
Go to Google, click "Images" and enter North Station Boston. There are a lot of interesting pictures that pop up. Many are old pictures of "The Gahden" as it used to be, some with PCC cars. And, you'll be happy to know there's a Hooters in North Station...
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Here are a bunch of 1940's aerial photos.
It's got some good shots of north station and the yards in Charleston.
http://www.mhd.state.ma.us//default.asp?pgid=content/environ/bos_aerial&sid=about
-frank
Thanx guys...I've already hit some those places...I think it did the trick..Once I piece together what I've found...I'll post some images...
thanx again.
Nick from Boston
Photos are invaluable, but sometimes the eye of an artist can give you information which is hidden in the reality-show that is a a photo.
I found these by googling "Boston Garden Print"
You may also want to check this out:
http://www.mapjunction.com/bra/
It's an interactive atlas of greater Boston, with historic maps.
The historic Charlestown maps only go until 1922, but that's only 6 years before the Garden was built, so the rail yard details are probably still pretty accurate for 1928.