Looking outside the usual sources for a building can reap big rewards. TIM SHACKLETON explains how Grosvenor Square’s imposing terminus building came into being using an American outline kit as the basis.
It was obvious from the start of this project that Grosvenor Square needed a station building reflecting the perceived importance of the city it served. We also wanted something that made a strong and dynamic visual statement on the layout. After considering any number of possibilities, we found the solution in the huge ‘Cornerstone’ range of ‘HO’ (3.5mm:1ft) scale structure kits from American company Wm K Walthers.
Union Station (Cat No. 933-3094) measures an impressive 20in x 9in x 7in (500mm x 230mm x 180mm) and is a scaled-down model of the former Burlington station in Omaha, Nebraska. It was opened in 1898 by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, and continued to handle passenger trains (latterly operated by Amtrak) until it was replaced in 1974 by a much simpler structure. Burlington station still stands and is now used as a television studio.
Above: The completed station building with British Railways lettering above the entrance really looks the part.
So how do we get away with bringing an American ‘HO’ scale …
