The oldest railroad station still in use in California sits in Menlo Park. It was built in 1867 by the San Francisco and San Jose Railroad Company, the first incorporated railroad line in the state. It’s quaint architecture would make a nice addition to any 19th to mid-20th Century model railroad layout. Check out the plans.
Built in 1915 as an automobile showroom for Adrian Boyce, the three-story building was purchased in 1927 for use as the Seneca Falls Village Hall. When it opened in1916 it was celebrated as “the most modern building of its kind in this part of the state.” Perfect for any 20th Century layout small town commercial structure, the building could easily be compressed along its length to take up less real estate. Check out the plans.
The Fork Union Depot, in Fluvanna County, Virginia, is typical of the small station houses on the C&O and other American railroads, many of which have been lost to the sands of time. At just 24 x 38 feet, the building is perfect for smaller model railroads, but would be just as at home on a larger rural layout.
St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Building 12 is of interest to model railroaders of the 20th Century in part to its modular nature. It could be selectively compressed, or even enlarged, without destroying the architectural qualities of the building. It would also be an opportunity to work with mold-making, since the repetitive architectural patterns lend themselves to multiple plaster cast reproductions assembled together after casting. Check out the plans.
The Stone Avenue Station in LaGrange, Illinois was built in 1901 by the engineering department of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad (C. B. & Q) and just oozes early 20th Century character. With carved plaster brick and stonework, this depot would be a knock-out centerpiece for any early to mid 20th Century layout. Check out the plans.
Built in 1908, the Live Oak Creamery was the first butter factory in the Gilroy area, at the center of Santa Clara county’s dairy industry in the early 20th Century. Before this, farmer had to ship their products to other areas to be turned into butter.
This is a great small industry that offers plenty of opportunity to customize it for a unique location on your railroad.