Scratch-built Station in N scale

A

absnut

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Oct 18, 2002
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In spite of missing the traveling we've done for two years, it is good to be back railroading.. I decided to take a little break from layout wiring, and get back to scratch-building. This station was inspired by (but not an exact copy for want of measurements and more than one photo) a turn of the century Boston and Maine station in Danbury NH. Rather than have a typical semaphore signal, I decided I had to have an old ball signal (a real test of my patience!!) However, I was pleased with the results. When I run across some better shingles, I will re-roof. Also, will need some scribed wood (or styrene) for the platform. The entire building is constructed with sheet styrene and Grandt Line windows, wire for the drains, and shingles printed off the net. The ball signal is a retired Atlas telephone pole, strip styrene, 2 lb. test fly fishing leader, four Micro-Trains brakewheels, and two beads from my wife's hobby desk. I really dreaded cutting clear acetate for all those windows but, then I remembered I had bought some Micro Kristal Klear (Microscale) and... WOW!.. does it make great windows! A bulletin board, a few posters, couple of people, station sign, and assorted platform "stuff" will gussy it up for my layout.


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Dick
 
Hi Dick. Great job on that little station..!! I hadn't seen one like that signal before. Could you please tell us how this worked..?? Again, congratulations on this little structure..!!
 
Thanks, Gus. Can't tell you too much about the ball signals as they are quite old, although a few still exist here in New England. I do remember seeing one in Westbrook Maine (Cumberland Mills on the MEC) as late as the 50's. There is one still in existence in Whitefield NH and a few in museums around the country. The signal is quite simple: if the ball is raised, the track ahead is clear, if not, then it's occupied. My signal is for two tracks. I'd like to have made it work but, in N scale, it was tedious enough to make a static one! I have seen photos of some that had a hand lantern suspended just below the ball.

Dick
 
That's very cool. I admire you guys who have the patience for scratchbuilding. Your station reminds me of one I like near Willow Grove, PA. I especially like that little red flatbed around the side. What is that.... a 1923 or so?
 
Thanks. I believe it's a 20's something or other. I's an English white metal kit I bounght back in the 80's. Doesn't look out of place on a U.S. layout.

Dick
 
Absnut, the entire structure is nice, but it is definitely the signals that take it way over the top. High Ball isn't slang on your layout! It's just a shame their isn't really nice commercial track to compliment your station.
 
'Scuze my lack of ignorance.....Is that where the term "highballing" comes from..? From the red ball being up high..?? Learn sumpin' new everyday....!!
 
Dick..Very nice scratch building!!..yes I remember Howell Day from my HO days...I had a rail bus made of brass that ran like a jack rabbitt and I put together a Milky Way reefer a pretty good kit with paper sides...Cox 47
 
Also if you don't have any Micro scale Kristal Klear you can use Sobo Premium craft and Fabric Glue it works just like KK and is only a buck a bottle at Wally World in craft department...Cox 47
 
Thanks for the kudos, gents.

Cox 47,

Thanks for the Sobo tip. Yes, and I also remember wood and paper boxcar kits I believe were made by Strombecker (Sp.?)

Dick
 
Cant believe your still squinting along in N scale Dick :mrgreen: LOL

Super Job on that 1 1/2 story, Its going to really look great placed in its element and with a lotta little people getting on with their day........:thumb:

So, hows it feel to crawl back out into the light of day?? :wave:
 
Thanks, TG! Too late to switch scales now (and too costly!) It's good getting back into the swing of things... I'll miss the traveling but, we have plans for shorter trips. More time to devote to my new layout!
 
Yes Dick I have a wooden Strombecker HO Rock Island Rocket..Blocks of wood with paper glued over and dummy trucks...Over 50 years old and still looks pretty good...Cox 47
 
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