I am trying to build a model of a certain Harriman “Common Standard” Union Pacific depot that was located in Delta, Utah. If the structure had survived (it was only torn down about 30 years ago), it would have been 100 years old this month, December 2011. Now, I am only a teenager, and on a moderate budget, but I’m fairly sure that I could scratchbuild a model of the depot for its 100th anniversary.
http://www.uen.org/utahlink/tours/loadimg.cgi?p=/tour/13645/13645depot.jpg
The problem is, is that the hardest parts to get for it would be the roof brackets (about 24-25) and the end-gable A-shaped brackets, two on the ends and one on the bay window. Also, getting good freight doors would also be tricky, though not nearly as hard as the brackets. Is there anywhere I might be able to find something, or any fairly easy way to make them myself? I am thinking about doing the building in HO scale, but I might try to do it in any other scale that might be easier to find materials & parts for. Any help would be greatly appreciated, as would any tips that anyone might like to give for scratchbuilding.
Thanks in advance!
I think you could get those parts in HO from Bar Mills. Contact them and explain what you need, maybe send them that picture. I think they may be able to help you out.
Sam
It’s too bad the the American Model Builders (LaserKit) ones are the smaller versions & one appears to have the floorplan inverted. It would be nice (but too costly) to graft two of those together to get the large version. I’ve had good luck with AMB kits, pricy, but build well.
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/152-127
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/152-182
Also I forgot to mention, if you do want to scratchbuild those fancy arched roof trim parts, this is waht I would do:
Find a plastic tube the correct diameter & cut slices off it, -like square O rings.
Then sand them so they are even.
Cut a section out (maybe in 3rds) like the letter C, & have a drawing to help cut them all the same size.
Use strip stock to make the bracket, & insert the arched parts you made.
If the Arched parts are round (I couldnt tell) you could wrap soft wire over a tube & cut it into pieces with a nipper & file the ends for the arches.
Just some thoughts, hope it helps.
The Delta depot looks a lot like an enlarged version of smaller standard depots like the one from American Model Builders. See their kit # 127 UP standard depot http://www.laserkit.com/laserkit.htm . The AMB kit would be a possible start for a kitbash, or would at least supply some brackets. If you don’t want to spring for the whole kit, maybe the manufacturer could supply you with some brackets, and the necessary windows and doors. The Delta freight doors differ from the kit somewhat.
I appreciate all the help and tips that everyone has offered, and it may help me get on to a good start, for this and other future projects. I had already tried to contact AMB to see if they could offer me just the depot brackets, and they told me that it wouldn’t be worth the effort to supply them and it would just be easier for me to buy two kits (WAY out of my price range for this project) and put them together. But since then, I’ve been able to contact someone else who may be able to help me with the parts I need, and everything I can get from suppliers like Evergreen and Grandt Line–except for those odd freight doors.
When this depot was new, the freight doors looked the same as they would have been on any other UP depot, with an incline leading up to the end door, but when this depot had changes applied to it in 1920 (Separate mens/ladies waiting rooms, old waiting room made part of the office), the freight doors were changed to that size, and the freight room floor must have been lowered somehow. Anyhow, I think I might just have to make those myself, which shouldn’t be too bad.
Thanks again!
Hey, wish you the best of luck!
Please update us with pix of your progress!
We love seeing when modelers go beyond what is available, as you are doing!!
You might try Walthers Clarkesville depot for a kitbash approach.
933-3063 Sold out at Walthers, but might be available on Ebay once in awhile. Or perhaps you could find in stock at an LHS. Probably would take two kits, but the price is much lower than AMB.
Chuck