Walther's Union Station

[FrankG]

Just looking for some opinions.

I already have a large station for my layout, but just picked up Walther's new Union Station to repurpose in my urban setting.

I've thought of the following possibilities:

1.) Public Library
2.) Museum
3.) Post Office (there is one is Salt Lake City with almost identical architecture but I think the Walthers kit is a bit large)

So, which of these ideas do you think could work best work or any additional ideas that might work better?

 

[2-8-2]

The architecture and size of the building is more along the lines of a museum. I suppose if your urban setting was that of a large city, it could be used as a post office or library as well.

My first impression was that it resembled some sort of government building, like an FBI branch office.

 

[jetrock]

Not too far off the mark...here's what the Sacramento main downtown post office looks like today:

And here's the Walthers union station:

 

[Blake]

That's a pretty cool idea. Could also be a town hall or county seat building.

 

[FrankG]

The one idea I like about doing a museum, is that I can run those long flags down between the columns that they use to promote an exhibit.

Also, because the Union station roof is almost entirely skylights, I thought a museum or library would offer some cool interior possibilities.

But for some reason, I'm still stuck on post office.

 

[csxengineer]

Museum

I'd say museum of natural history. You could then have a mini dinosaur out front promoting the Jurassic displays.

 

[csxengineer]

Here's one..

Carnegie museum in Pittsburgh...

 

[pomperaugrr]

The Union Station would make an excellent courthouse.

Eric

 

[2slim]

Frank,
Haven't opened my kit, is the 'UNION STATION' cast in the front wall? It looks like it is in the illustration.

2slim

 

[FrankG]

No....it's not part of the mold. Union Station is a decal. They also include one for Grand Central Station as an alternative.

 

[spitfire]

Frank, I think the museum idea is an excellent one! And I like your idea about banners. Since you mention skylights and interiors, maybe that would be a good place for the dinosaur. Or, it could be a King Tut exhibit. You could have some school busses or tour busses parked outside, a hot dog vendor - maybe even a fancy awning.

On the other hand a post office, courthouse or library would work too - I just think the possibilities with a museum are more interesting.

You mention you have an urban setting. That's what I'm into too!

Would love to see some pix if you have any.

Val

 

[Sir_Prize]

Hmmm....
I'm trying to make an Urban layout myself.
I was going with the "Refresh the rundown docks" and the "NEW" style tourist hotels across the channel. Actually going to put a riverside shopping on one side of the channel.

The Musuem sounds cool. Drop some lights in it to show off what's inside.

 

[Puckeringswine]

I don't know youre era but, the Los Angeles Terminal Annex Post Office was part of the Union Passenger Terminal and was rail served, just a thought.

 

[FrankG]

Val....about the urban layout.....I've literally JUST started into this hobby -- N gauge. I done a good deal of modeling in the past, but not railroads. So, right now, I'm just concentrating on the key structures. The big ones that will take up a good amount of space or will get important placement. Then I'll do the track and fill in from there. So, no pictures as of yet. But I have seen what you've done and it looks fantastic.

 

[spitfire]

Thanks for the kind words Frank! Perhaps a few pix of your structures? Pleeeeaaase No pressure - whenever you're ready. I just can't get enough of urban modelling.

Val