So I mentioned on the "Model Stations" topic about going more in-depth with discussing my recently finished re-build of the "Canadian Northern Railway" [CNoR] 1905 Edmonton station and the start of installation at the O-scale club in Edmonton, Alberta (Canada).
http://www.webpraxis.ab.ca/vrr..._Edmonton_1905.shtml
(Period postcard, completed)
So Ill start with a bit of 'Backstory!' here on this gigantic structure:
Edmonton's first proper station was built by the Canadian Northern Railway (1899–1923, amalgamated into CN with GTR) in the early 1900's with its grand opening in 1905. Even only partially completed, the opening with the first regular train into Edmonton drew thousands of the public to see the coming of the second Canadian transcontinental railway. The station would later become a "Union Station" when the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway was building their transcontinental track as well.
https://www.edmontonsarchitect.../#structure-images-4
(photograph, partially built, first train)
A copy of the press release from the time:
“CNR Depot and Terminal Office Building for Edmonton", Manitoba Free Press, 19 August 1905, page 19. The handsome structure which the [CNoR] is erecting for a station building at Edmonton will in every respect, be worthy of that western metropolis. It is to be 164x60 feet including the canopied platform, and is to be built of red pressed brick, with trimmings of Calgary sandstone and a base three feet in depth of the same stone. It is to be three storeys in height, the ground floor plan showing a large general waiting room (30x30 feet), ticket office, baggage and express rooms, and dining and sleeping car supply rooms. On the first and second floors are divisional officers quarters, including Superintendents', Dispatchers', Cashiers', Agents' Engineers' and general staff offices, while the east end of the building is laid out with all modern improvements as living apartments for the Agent. All the interior woodwork in the waiting rooms and offices is to be handsomely finished in fumed or Old English) oak, with dadoes of the same material and polished hardwood floors. The lavatories are to be finished in marble, with tiled floors and with all the latest improvements in sanitary engineering. The building was designed by R.B. Pratt the company's Architect and reflects great credit on himself and the company.
The old station remained in regular service even after the demise of the CNoR into CN (CNR, but using the same identifiying marks as Canadian Northern) until the building of a new station in the classical style just down the street. The station would then serve as crew quarters and storage until its demise in the 1950's(?) for an expansion of the classically designed second station.
If you notice any similarities to a few other Canadian stations (or even a station in Minnesota), you would be right! Canadian Northern mostly used a "Class" structure in the west spanning from 1-5. Edmonton represents a Class 1 station, and each class down the scale resembles a "scaled-down" version with everything from the dormers to the central tower section! (see example of "3rd Class" station below with reference link). Edmonton had 4 siblings in Saskatoon,Saskatchewan, Dauphin,Manitoba, Port Arthur,Ontario, and Virginia,Minnesota. The later of which was modeled on Jim Seacrest's layout in a past issue of OGR magazine. To date, only Port Arthur, Virginia, and Dauphin stations remain.
https://www.historicplaces.ca/...mage.aspx?id=7759#i1
(3rd class station variation example)
So this model was created using 3d printing in 6 different main sections, and many smaller parts (awning, windows and such). The model itself (without platforms) is around 12"x36"x14" (ish). Fully modeled with "Tinkercad", the online modeling software, I spent the better part of 2-3 months doing the initial build, before additional modeling during the printing phase. Estimated total print time would be 3-4 week (with fixes). I have photos of the printing process somewhere, if I find them I will post them then...
Paint was mostly spray paint (man is it hard to find a good clay brick colour in Canada!), with details done in leather paint and acrylic.
My main issue for printing was 'warp'. Like any 3d printer person knows, thin parts like roofs can warp something reminiscent of an old gazebo from china! In other words: very, very curved.
Due to having to take apart the structure twice, the connections between the wings and tower are a bit more fragile then they were the first time assembled. A flat plywood base is estimated to be added before installation is complete.
Being not the most adept at weathering myself, only acrylic paint (mixed with leather paint) was mixed to do highlights on the sandstone or "soot" on the chimney top.
(Trackside )
Translucent backing was added to the windows (no interior) and platform awnings were added. Awning covers for the corners were quickly modeled and printed as it looked terrible without them! Also printed off 'period posters' to tape on the walls. Mostly these are travel, circus, or WW1/WW2 posters. Note to self, use cardstock as it wont curl up!
(Street side)
Assembly on the club today! The station was transported to the local club for fitting and to show to my heritage organization contact who supplied the elusive plans for the building!
Special flags were made (as was present on its original opening day, albeit this one is finished!) and some window awnings were added using paper as was on the original structure. With only black and white photos, it was a pain to guess what colour the fabric was back then. A track orders board was also added.
This monster is now the biggest structure on the club layout! But still need to sink the station into the platform. Mind the step for the next month or two!!!
She barely fits on the table! Might have to extend it into the aisle for the platforms on the street side (not that there is any street anymore....)
And that's the end of this model! Bit more installing and there it will sit until I make my own layout at home. Time to shift my focus to other pursuits.... like completing the set of stations! Hot on the trail of the the plans for the remaining four stations, albeit tracking down something over 100 years old and a defunct railroad later is quite the challenge. If anyone has a copy of any of the 4 remaining plans please do let me know! It would be greatly appreciated.
