This model is based on a group of standard-design stations built in 1893 for the prototype Ohio Southern RR, which became part of the Detroit, Toledo & Ironton RR in 1905. Six of these stations were built in two versions, which were mirror images of each other. My model shows the waiting room to the left of the office.
An article with a prototype plan was published in the September 1978 issue of Model Railroader. The former Uniopolis depot has been moved and restored as part of the Lincoln Park railroad display in Lima, Ohio.
The B. T. S. Models kit is made up of laser-cut parts which are cleanly cut from 1/16″ and 1/32″ basswood sheet and 1/64″ plywood. Other parts include cardstock roofs, roofing paper, clear styrene, a couple of detail castings, and a decal with the prototype station names.
Four pages of printed instructions clearly explain the step-by-step assembly so newcomers or veteran modelers can enjoy a successful project. Everything is numbered to match the parts list while four diagrams and seven photos show specific assemblies.
Thin tabs hold the laser-cut parts in the carrier sheets. A sharp hobby knife easily freed the pieces as I needed them and an emery board smoothed away any remainder. Well-designed tabs and slots help position the parts, but I still test-fit the joints before I added Titebond wood glue. Trim boards neatly conceal these tabs and slots. After these joints dried, I sprayed the interior with a clear sealer to prevent warping.
I brush-painted the exterior with Polly S light gray. I also prepainted all of the window sash.
To make each double-hung window, I pressed a lower sash onto the clear glazing, trimmed the plastic about 1/16″ larger than the frame, and cemented it into the rear of the window opening. Then I pressed an upper sash onto the glazing, but this time I trimmed it flush around the frame before gluing it into the top half of the window from the outside. Bits of cardstock glued behind the sash simulate window shades.
The subroofs are stiff cardstock with laser-cut rectangular holes that receive tabs on the roof supports. After the glue dried, these supports fit perfectly inside the side walls to position both roofs.
Thin black paper is supplied for the roll roofing. I applied it as explained in the instructions. When it was painted red, some of black showed through exactly as on the prototype.
It took me an enjoyable 22 hours to complete this depot, mostly because it was the first B.T.S. kit I’ve built. It’s very well designed and I’m sure the other three I need for my own Ohio Southern will go together even easier.
While this model follows a specific prototype, its typical railroad architecture and small size should appeal to a lot of modelers.
Price: $39.95 each
Manufacturer:
B.T.S. Models
P.O.Box 561
Seffner, FL 33583
www.btsrr.com
Description:
Laser-cut wood craftsman kit
Kit numbers:
No. 27118 (waiting room right)
No. 27119 (waiting room left)
