Rethinking station layout

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

After finishing the detailing on the interiors of my Amtrak cars (http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/216497.aspx) and asking about how the prototype would handle station stops on my former Pennsy mainline (http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/217461.aspx), I decided that something needed changed/added with the layout of my station.

Here is how I was originally going to have my station set up. The former station was supposed to have sat on the southeast corner of the interchange, in the L of the near platforms. The far platforms were to be just the concrete platforms with no canopies and were going to be overgrown from being abandoned. The near platforms were to have canopies and be “fixed up” with a small parking lot where the station used to be (larger lot supposedly across the street).

So, basically, there wasn’t going to be a station, just a lot and the platforms, half with canopies and in use and the other half abandoned.

Over Memorial Day weekend, I stopped at my favorite model railroad shop in town, and I came across the Walthers Amtrak station kit. I’d seen it online in the past, but I never really thought it would “fit” into my scene.

While browsing around the store, I kept thinking about the station scene and how I hadn’t found the right station. I went back to the Walthers kit when it occurred to me that my station stop on my layout would indeed need an actual building and not just be platforms and a parking lot. While I don’t operate all of the trains on my layout in one “session” (basically operating within whatever time I have), I do have enough trains (14) using the Mansfield stop to justify the need for an actual station: eastbound and westbound Broadway Limited and

2

I like it. Perhaps, since you are out of practice on kit-building - an this station will obviously be a focal point - you might want to pick up an inexpensive kit to re-hone your skills first. Looking forward to seeing how it comes out!

3

Since you’ve already done interiors for the passenger cars, consider doing the same for the station. It’s got big doors and windows, which will let visitors see into the station. It’s easy to add illumination, benches and people inside.

If you want to try another kit first, I’d suggest a pedestrian overpass to get to across the tracks. I personally like things that the trains can go under. Also, the Atlas “hairpin fence” is a good way to keep those pesky passengers safely away from the tracks.

4

That’s what I’m thinking. Looking at the instructions and diagram of the kit, I might be able to leave the roof removable so that I can always add an interior when I can. Just need some interior photos of this sort of station to get some ideas.

Kevin