Walthers Union Station

[simon1966]

Budliner asked the question about New RIver Mine. Since I am getting ready to build the Walthers Union Station, does anyone have examples of the completed model they wi***o share? I have not decided to make this look like a well kept structure or more down in the dumps.

[cbq9911a]

I'm in the process of building one. Lots of empty space on the inside so I'm adding interior detail. Two details that the structure lacks: an elevator/stair access way on the roof and a chimney.

[DrummingTrainfan]

I have one, it's a really nice little building. I'm sure you've figured it out, but its big, which is why we have it up on stilts. Enjoy the pics...

[bnnrailroad]

I have one that is finished on the outside. I'm keeping looking well kept. One thing of note: the decals that come with it don't show real well on the wall. I wish I would have painted it first. I did paint my columns white. I will have to take a picture of it.

I too will be giving it an interior and it will sit above the tracks.

[bryanbell]

Here's a thread about the kit. There are some construction tips and a lot of history in the thread. It might be of some help to you.
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=-1&TOPIC_ID=59803&REPLY_ID=674851#674851

[chutton01]

QUOTE: Originally posted by simon1966
I have not decided to make this look like a well kept structure or more down in the dumps.

I think a fair rule of thumb here (plenty of exceptions all around, of course) - assuming US location, by the late 1950s-early1960s the station should start looking down a bit worn and threadbare, and by the very late 70s (probably more likely the 1980s) will be restored (either as a station, usually with upscale chain stores inside; or as a completely new use (maybe a visitors center or an upscale mall). Of course, some former stations even today await full restoration (Buffalo Central Terminal?)

[bryanbell]

Here's a thread about the kit. There are some construction tips and a lot of history in the thread. It might be of some help to you.
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=-1&TOPIC_ID=59803&REPLY_ID=674851#674851

[simon1966]

Chutton, thanks for the advice on look. I think a more shabby look would suit my era better. I watched a documentary on New York Grand Central and it looked far from Grand for much of its life in the 20th century.

Bryanbell, thanks for the link. I missed that thread, must have been going thru a quiet patch then. ANyway very useful.

Drumming, you elevated idea has got me thinking, this could well be the answer to some city planning issues I was having[:D]

It really does warrant an interior, I will have to get my thinking cap on about that.

Thanks everyone for the input.

[topcopdoc]

I also have Union Station which has one freight line and four passenger tracks running underneath and a commutor line track at ground level. I will adding building interior and lighting. This seems like a good project to share some ideas. Let me know what you think.

Doc

[Anonymous]

Here's my attempt. I don't have it perminantely placed yet, so there's no scenery. The pic's are actually taken when it was off the layout. I'm thinking about putting it up like DrummingTrainFan did. I think mine will be turned the other way though, with the tracks running side to side, instead of front to back.





Kevin

[DrummingTrainfan]

If you do put it on stilts, it's important that everything is perfectly straight. I'm not sure if you thought of this, but it would be best to use a drill press instead of a regular drill to assure straightness.

Actually, here in Omaha (the prototype for the model is the Burlington station [although the real station has a 5-window wing, not 3 wing like the model] here in Omaha) the tracks are below ground level so having it elevated is very prototypical.

[METRO]

Remember there are some stations that are still used and not restored even today. Milwaukee's station is in absolutely horrible shape, I heard somewhere they are going to just keep using it, not do anything but function repairs and wait until a new one is built.

Anyways, I'm going to buy a Union Station as well, but I'm using it as the start of a kitbashing project for an art museum (kind of a cross between the Art Institute Of Chicago and the Metropolitan Art Museum in New York) instead of a train station, should look great when done.

Cheers!
~METRO

[topcopdoc]

Union Station

My station and surrounding street is mounted on 1" pink foam board. Streets are painted on and sidewalks installed. It can be lifted out to service platforms and tracks below. The trains run underneath front to back (long side). Walhter’s platform shelters (2 sets) stop just of short of overhead street. You don’t need them inside under the street and station. I built my own platforms for this. Station will be connected to lower track by stairways. Lower tracks are in a man made cut with poured concrete walls. It has separate tracks for North & South bound; East & West bound passenger tracks and one freight line, which runs in both directions. This is the only place on the whole layout where all tracks are on the same level. Therefore track switching must be here. On the West side of the station (street level) a two track commuter line is present. I will be able to handle (4) eight car trains, long haul freight, and a commuter train all at the same time. I have just started learning how to post pictures for the web with photobucket. Hopefully some pictures can be posted soon. Any ideas or details for the station interior will be appreciated.

Doc

[simon1966]

Here is an old thread from last year.  I am curious if anyone has any updated photos of their Union Station that they would like to share?