A station for modern passengers: The 279-4523 Amtrak Station from Menards

The front of the station in room lighting with power on. The Amtrak signs are on all four sides of the station.

I’ve been awaiting this one to be released for a couple of months! Earlier in the year I had a chance to play with a production model of the building and was pretty pleased with the modern styling and compact dimensions (roughly 9 ½ by 6 inches). It also looked pretty sharp, size-wise with my Williams Superliner and Metroliner cars. A win-win.

The look is totally contemporary. The angular lines could have easily been the design for a bank, a coffee shop, or a travel agent. It sure wouldn’t fit into the 1930s, but it would be at home in 1970 or later!

I figured the front was the section with the two pillars, a trash can, and mailbox. There are two travelers, one of which is posed near the train board showing arrival and departure times. Jack is taking it easy, seeming to be ready to let nervous travelers pet him!

The double-doors and windows all have a smoke gray tint, and both sides have tinted windows right above flower boxes. The rail side of the station matches the front, save for the local information sign, arrival board, trashcan and mailbox. There are three travelers, two of whom are in an animated discussion!

In a world of O gauge train station designed for the steam era, the Menards Amtrak station is a great recognition that time has moved into a new century!

The station costs $79.99. Order online at WWW.Memards.com/Trins and opt for free shipment to your local Menards.

The building is designed for use with the Menards 4.5volt power supply no. 279-4062 or 4050; both sold separately.

The station’s track side. Note the spot for the power connection on the lower right side.

The station has a drop down plug for power fed through the tabletop

This must be a busy spot on the line. Seven arrivals expected with six departures!

The Amtrak sign stands out in dim lighting!

The station is a good companion for these Williams 60-foot Amtrak SuperLiner cars.

Another view of the depot’s track side. The figure are a good size in relation to the car doors.

The station features 30 LED lights illuminating the station’s exterior, augmented by four animated “Pointless Arrow” signs.