Good day Folks
So im at that stage on the layout where I'm trying to figure out which station to use for my passenger and commuter trains. I want this station to be sort of like a flagship type station or station that commuter trains typically use. Anybody have any nice stations that they know of or would possibly sell?
So I originally was going to purchase the commuter station that Custom Model Railroad sells for $156.00 but with shipping it comes to $180.00. Kind of pricey but I love it. Kato makes a suburban station that I like as well but it's only for N scale.
The few Walthers stations seem out of place for a layout in the Chicago area as they seem more West Coast with their mission style or Southern Pacific theme.
The Union Station is too big and would need a huge place for it plus trains would need to be underground and have many tracks to look practical.
Also thought about the butterfly platforms but kind of want something more than that as well. Again love the station kit that CMR sells but don't want to spend almost $200 if i can help it.
Regg
When in need of an idea, reference your prototype for the period.
If you look hard you could find the old "train shed" style train platforms on ebay. HOWEVER a lot of people don't like these because they hide the trains. Walthers created the see through roof kind as an answer to the train hiding problem. (And it looks horrid IMHO...Nothing personal Walthers....you create a lot of really great looking kits. This is not one of them!)Old style (discontinued but available on ebay) New Style (clear roof)
New Style (clear roof)
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
https://flic.kr/p/AGwMY3
Something like this is what I have in mind....Amtrak and Metra trains could stop there and it has waiting room along with platforms....
Since you can't find what you want at a price you can live with (always a problem for me as well), might I suggest you try to scratch build a station. I was looking to model the old Santa Fe Depot in Santa Ana, California but could find no kits of it at any price nor any kits close enough to it to kitbash. My only option was to scratch build it.
A few sheets of styrene and one or both door and window assortments from Tichy Train Group and you can model all sorts of structures. Find some photos of a prototype station that really strikes your interest and go for it! Work out the structure's dimensions from an exterior swing door in the photos (usually 3'-0" wide by 6'-8" tall). Draw up a plan based on those dimensions, maybe make a quick mock-up out of cardstock, and adjust the plan as needed. I found that I had to compress my depot slightly. The really fun part of this project was watching a former mayor of Santa Ana (and train nut) checking out my finished model. He was practically drooling over it so I guess I got pretty close to the prototype.
A few sheets of styrene and one or both door and window assortments from Tichy Train Group and you can model all sorts of structures. Find some photos of a prototype station that really strikes your interest and go for it! Work out the structure's dimensions from an exterior swing door in the photos (usually 3'-0" wide by 6'-8" tall). Draw up a plan based on those dimensions, maybe make a quick mock-up out of cardstock, and adjust the plan as needed. I found that I had to compress my depot slightly.
The really fun part of this project was watching a former mayor of Santa Ana (and train nut) checking out my finished model. He was practically drooling over it so I guess I got pretty close to the prototype.
Hornblower
Regg05 >https://flic.kr/p/AGwMY3
>https://flic.kr/p/AGwMY3
Ahhh yes this station:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/BWI+RAIL+STATION+MARC+nb/@39.192634,-76.694076,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1s29838330!2e1!3e10!6s%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fproxy%2FJN4rJEQfDkXTN3KKz6j0xd-LPrAG8jYs5DmIxxwtrJFdPGKI2F_7rqs_73sUKMc2QpjioqlR1SNMcVX2JQLKSSrfCTevrLAyXQ%3Dw128-h86!7i1024!8i683!4m2!3m1!1s0x89b7e25c3167f7f9:0xc8daf00afbfe32c6!6m1!1e1I may be mistaken but this design I think is restricted to the NE corridor of Amtrak ops.
How about the Walthers Cornerstone City Station?
https://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-2904
Rich
Alton Junction
Oh wow I didn't know this station existed in real life. Wow it looks good. I might just have to purchase it.
I have been looking at the city station but it doesn't give me enough "umph" if you know what I mean. It's not bad by any means and if i had no choice that would be the one i would go with. I still would need a platform for the other side of the track since the station only can serve one track. I guess I could use styrene and drill a few holes in it to install a light post and a bench and a sign and paint the styrene a brick color to match the station....
Regg, that station services a track on each side of the station.
I can post some photos of my City Station if you like.
yes Rich i wouldn't mind a few pics but I know what you're talking about. I'm aware that yes on each side of the station you can lay track there but the way my layout is set up and the way most commuter trains operate is they may have a station on one side and just a platform on the other. In other words the two tracks are in the middle just like in the above link i showed. What you're referring to im assuming is have the station in the middle with the two tracks on either side. My track layout isn't set up like that...Both the tracks are together so the stations/platforms have to be outside the rails.
Don't reject out of hand some of the European plastic kits of stations and depots. By Americanizing the roofing and the window mullions some very plausible stations can be created, perhaps not without some kitbashing. This is particularly true if you want to mimic some of the more elaborate Chicago area commuter stations some of which have a sort of faux European look to them anyway.
Dave Nelson
LION builds stations in HO from scratch. My most latest works are not on my web site yet, but since I am still in the nursing home until saturday, I can not post new ones today. Check my website for what you can see.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
Hey Regg:
I'm going to second Hornblower's and Lion's suggestions that you consider scratch building the station. You could certainly do it for less than $180.
I don't see anything on the CMR model that couldn't be scratch built fairly easily. I think the most challenging part would be modelling the canopies at street level and the roof on the walkway between the two towers. The curved roof sections could be done with styrene 1/4 round for the curved edges with flat stock between them. Evergreen Scale Models sells 1/4 round in .100" which would be close to the prototype in HO. Scroll down a bit:
http://www.evergreenscalemodels.com/Shapes.htm
The walls are pretty simple geometric shapes.
One thing I do not like about the CMR model is the railings. The round bits are way too big in diameter IMHO. Heljan currently offers a similar design with what appears to be a thinner profile. Unfortunately they are going to be discontinued so you should act fast if you want them:
https://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/322-521
Another advantage to scratch building is that you can make the platforms as long as you want. The CMR model will only accomodate two passenger cars.
If you haven't done any scratch building you have missed out! It is lots of fun and very satisfying. There are lots of people on the forums who would be more than willing to coach you if you need it.
Worth considering.
Regards
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
I like this station. I wish it was made in N Scale. Great for the modern era.
http://www.hebners.net/Amtrak/amtStationNQ/NormalIL.jpg
After Amtrak was formed they designed their own train station. Probably around 1980s to present.
Amtrak America, 1971-Present.
Here you go Angelo, this is close to what you would like in a station.
This is a Walthers Cornerstone model. look it up at their site. Good price too.
OK, now I understand..... they don't show it in "N" scale. So sorry....
At: Kit - 8-9/16 x 11-13/16" 21.5 x 30cm Walthers Part # 933-3038, p. 397 Walthers 2015 HO Scale Reference HO scale, $34.98, currently in stock at Walthers This product is on-sale today for $25.98 Download the Instruction Sheet (1268 K bytes, PDF format) The depot was a magical place. At train time, everything stopped as local folks went down to watch the varnish come in. The old depot may be gone, but the magic is still there! Today, shiny Amtrak streamliners glide by, and in many areas, daily commuter trains make up much of the trackside action. These modern trains require modern facilities and bringing your layout up-to-date is easy with this kit. It's based on a design first used in the late 1970s, which was adapted for use in several Amtrak-served communities. This detailed model captures the clean lines of the original in a size that's right for the contemporary layout. Full-color Amtrak station signs add the finishing touch.
Johnboy out...........
from Saskatchewan, in the Great White North..
We have met the enemy, and he is us............ (Pogo)
Regg05 yes Rich i wouldn't mind a few pics but I know what you're talking about. I'm aware that yes on each side of the station you can lay track there but the way my layout is set up and the way most commuter trains operate is they may have a station on one side and just a platform on the other. In other words the two tracks are in the middle just like in the above link i showed. What you're referring to im assuming is have the station in the middle with the two tracks on either side. My track layout isn't set up like that...Both the tracks are together so the stations/platforms have to be outside the rails. Regg
https://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-3188
Here is the City Station with platforms set up on each side to accommodate passenger tracks on each side of the station. You could easily place the platforms across from the station, separated by two tracks between the platforms and the station. That is done all the time on commuter railroads.
Rich I really do like that picture you posted. Is that your station? I like how you got the platforms on both sides of the tracks. As for the platform sheds, what did you do cut the roofs of the platform sheds to lay or line up on the roof of the station...I see they look to be cut at a anlge and glued to the station roof.
last mountain & eastern hogger Here you go Angelo, this is close to what you would like in a station. This is a Walthers Cornerstone model. look it up at their site. Good price too. OK, now I understand..... they don't show it in "N" scale. So sorry.... At: Kit - 8-9/16 x 11-13/16" 21.5 x 30cm Walthers Part # 933-3038, p. 397 Walthers 2015 HO Scale Reference HO scale, $34.98, currently in stock at Walthers This product is on-sale today for $25.98 Download the Instruction Sheet (1268 K bytes, PDF format)
At: Kit - 8-9/16 x 11-13/16" 21.5 x 30cm Walthers Part # 933-3038, p. 397 Walthers 2015 HO Scale Reference HO scale, $34.98, currently in stock at Walthers This product is on-sale today for $25.98 Download the Instruction Sheet (1268 K bytes, PDF format)
I think OP wants HO scale, not N, so that station is a valid option.
- Douglas
Regg05 The few Walthers stations seem out of place for a layout in the Chicago area as they seem more West Coast with their mission style or Southern Pacific theme.
Actually, most Walthers structure kits are based on midwestern prototypes, I've been through small towns in Wisconsin where it looks like a Walthers display layout. The Walthers "city" station is almost identical to the Milwaukee Road station in Hastings, MN (and I imagine many other Milwauakee depots).
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-2904
Of course, maybe we should clarify - are you talking about a suburban commuter / passenger station, or are you talking about the big city station the commuters are going towards? If the latter, the trains usually would just end up at a big downtown station, that would also be used for regular (Amtrak in modern times) trains.
I prefer the Suburban/commuter style stations as opposed to the bigger city stations such as the City Station or Union Station kits by Walthers although there not bad. The Union Station however is much too big for my layout and again only look nice if you had a multi-yard track setup directly behind the station or underneath it (meaning you need two levels).
The BWI station on the NEC that the one commenter posted yesterday is exactly my style and love it. I could just picture both my Metra trains and Amtrak trains pulling up there. Custom Model Railroad makes a acrylic kit for $180 shipped but considering its the holidays, im still working on my layout and just plain scarcity of funds not sure I can afford that right now. So looking for something just a little bit cheaper. Rich shoed me the City Station kit by Walthers modified to fit his layout and it looks nice.
Just not sure.
If you really like one over the other, my experience suggests that you save up for the one you want, instead of settling for something else. The months you spend not having a station at all while saving up will be greatly made up for by the years of satisfaction you get from having the one you want.
Regg05 Good day Folks So im at that stage on the layout where I'm trying to figure out which station to use for my passenger and commuter trains. I want this station to be sort of like a flagship type station or station that commuter trains typically use. Anybody have any nice stations that they know of or would possibly sell? So I originally was going to purchase the commuter station that Custom Model Railroad sells for $156.00 but with shipping it comes to $180.00. Kind of pricey but I love it. Kato makes a suburban station that I like as well but it's only for N scale. The few Walthers stations seem out of place for a layout in the Chicago area as they seem more West Coast with their mission style or Southern Pacific theme. The Union Station is too big and would need a huge place for it plus trains would need to be underground and have many tracks to look practical. Also thought about the butterfly platforms but kind of want something more than that as well. Again love the station kit that CMR sells but don't want to spend almost $200 if i can help it. Regg
How big is your area? Everyone has to do selective compression, especialy me. I am modeling my version of chicago and i will have a good number of stations. The plan in my head calls for union station,lasalle street station,millennium station,3-5 El stations, my version of Van Buren Street Station, and maby an underground Subway station for good measure. All of my stations will have to be compressed big time and kitbashed.
Justin
https://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-3038
I kitbased two of these to make one large station. Need to gigure out how to post pics.. One of these days..!
Neal
Regg05 Rich I really do like that picture you posted. Is that your station? I like how you got the platforms on both sides of the tracks. As for the platform sheds, what did you do cut the roofs of the platform sheds to lay or line up on the roof of the station...I see they look to be cut at a anlge and glued to the station roof. Regg
https://www.walthers.com/instructions/0933/09330000003188.pdf
Regg,
Check out Walthers suburan elevated commuter station (933-4563), which may offer you an economical solution to your problem. I just opened my kit package, and discovered that with a smidde of kit bashing, I can convert it into a four-track commeter line and hi-speed passenger line, somehat like NJ's Amtrack line between Newark and Middlsex, NJ.
The kit suggests two formats, a single two-foot canopied platform with an inbound and outbound track on each side, or two one-foot canopied platforms, with both inbound and outbound tracks between the two platforms.
Either design allows you to only have TWO tracks, inbound and outbound, straddling the platform.
BUT, because Walthers suggests these two designs, it's kit doesn't offer the flat styrene roof/roadbed. Instead, it recommends you deside which design you want and then buy styrene sheets for the roof/roadbed that you can cut to fit.
Now to your problem. Why not do what I plan to do with the kit? Kitbash the WIDTH of the structure's retaining walls with a few scraps of styrene, to allow FOUR tracks. Yeah, this will require a bit of chopping and channeling, but then you can kitbash the two kit platforms for as long as you want, while still having a a 12-inch canopy on each platform.
Your layout then can consist of an inbound commuter line, the commuter platform, and then the outbound commuter line. Immediately adjacent to the commuter outbound line, you can have the inbound high-speed passenger line, the passenger platform, and the oubound passenger line.
Oh, yes. Since the kit supplies two outside stairs to the single platform, which would disgourge your passengers directly onto the tracks of on-coming trains -- if you try my four-track idea -- you might try another idea. Instead of installing the two sets of stairs as Walthers suggests, one for each platform, I suggest cutting a rectangular slit through each platform and roof, and glue a section of the stairs into each slot, suggesting an entranceway from the concourse below.
And if you want an above-ground station, you can build it adjacent to the elevated station. However, protocol-wise, why have an above-ground station when, presumably, all the staton's functions -- tickets, info, newstand, bathrooms, baggage, waiting room, snack bar -- all would be under the trackage on the the first floor of the suburban station. But don't forget to kit-bash an entrance.
And if you think I have been a bit windy, you are right. My explanation to you -- and to others -- helped me clarify exactly what I plan to do with my kit.
Thanks, and good luck
George
If Regg hasn't figured out what station to build in 2+ years, I doubt he's going to build one.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
I like a lot of the structures that CMR offers, but that train station that Regg liked when he first posted looks like a prison to me. Ugh!
Not to keep an old thread going, but at least this one isn't like the post in a 10 year old thread on the steam locomotives, and 18" radius I just seen revised.
Anyway, Amtrak has this in Sturtevant, WI.
Thanks to Jeremiah "SubWayNut" Cox.
Been through a few times, stairs and elevator. I like the idea of something like this, instead of a track on each side of a station.
OK, back to the present.
Mike.
My You Tube