I am looking for source to find NYC Subway station platforms in O scale .
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MTH MAKES NICE ONES
I checked the MTH website and did not find any subway platforms.Do you have any part numbers.
I know this guy his name is Anthony he makes EL's and subway stations. You can give him a call at 917-903-1649.
Here are a few examples of EL stations made for various clients. Not made specifically for NYC however they can be made.
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You must build them yourself or pay someone to build them for you.
Yardbird --
Joe P is correct - to get scale and realistic looking NY City Subway AND Elevated type rapid transit stations, and not look un-realistic and toy-like, you MUST build them yourself - or have someone do it for you. Here are some photos of a few of my EL Stations, and also the FLICKR WEBSITE link here to Photos (and some sound videos) of my "EL Stations Album" --
https://www.flickr.com/photos/...s/72157626088834813/
In case the FLICKR page viewed on your browser functions slowly and clunky, here is a faster and easier navigation page LINK to my alternate FLICKRIVER site - all the same photos and videos are likewise seen there and are in one long page via simple up or down continuous scroll and no arrows to go back and forth to each photo !.
http://www.flickriver.com/phot...s/72157626088834813/
Both Website links take you to the Photo Album featuring photos (and some videos) of my EL Stations on my O-Scale 2 rail very large NYC based EL and Trolley layout. On those TWO weblinks to my EL STATIONS ALBUM webpage are also found page-links to my other layout based photo various photo albums.
All my EL structures, EL track deckwork and EL stations, and many of my rolling stock, and most of the lineside real estate buildings, are scratch built by me. As are the NY cast iron style lampposts !
Regards - Joe F
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Joe super nice job! wish I had some room for something like what you did.
Rich in NH
But you outdid anything I could ever hope to do.
SOMETHING THAT LOOKS NEAR IT IS BETTER THAN NOTHING AT ALL.
I make custom Subway Stations in O Scale, Ive made a few, my 4th one was the best one, it wasn't the best in every detail but it was something, i plan on making 2 stations by the middle of this month and have em ready by the October NYC transit Modeler's convention
Outstanding work, Joe. Throughly enjoyed your photo pages. Thanks for posting.
Is it real or is it.....AWESOME! 
Originally Posted by Joseph Frank:
Yardbird --
Joe P is correct - to get scale and realistic looking NY City Subway AND Elevated type rapid transit stations, and not look un-realistic and toy-like, you MUST build them yourself - or have someone do it for you. Here are some photos of a few of my EL Stations, and also the FLICKR WEBSITE link here to Photos (and some sound videos) of my "EL Stations Album" --
https://www.flickr.com/photos/...s/72157626088834813/
In case the FLICKR page viewed on your browser functions slowly and clunky, here is a faster and easier navigation page LINK tomy alternate FLICKRIVER site - all the same photos and videos are likewise seen there and are in one long page via simple up or down continuous scroll and no arrows to go back and forth to each photo !.
http://www.flickriver.com/phot...s/72157626088834813/
Both Website links take you to the Photo Album featuring photos (and some videos) of my EL Stations on my O-Scale 2 rail very large NYC based EL and Trolley layout. On those TWO weblinks to my EL STATIONS ALBUM webpage are also found page-links to my other layout based photo various photo albums.
All my EL structures, EL track deckwork and EL stations, and many of my rolling stock, and most of the lineside real estate buildings, are scratch built by me. As are the NY cast iron style lampposts !
Regards - Joe F
Amazing work indeed. Im curious to know what material you used to cut and glue the elevated the structure, and what material is the elevated structure and the stations made from. Greatest work ive seen!
Hello Guys - to:
NYC Boy, Rich in NH, Jon (Mill city), Tinplate Art
Thanks guys for the nice comments on my modeling work and layout which I appreciate ! Its a LOT to look at and review on my FLICKR ALBUMS Site !
--- NYC BOY --- Per your question to me --- see the list below. I also make use of various types and thicknesses of cardstock (even index card stock) for certain structural applications, details, and finishing materials ! Here below is a printed listing I created long ago outlining what I basically used to construct my EL structure "steelwork" and for creating the EL style track work:
======================================================
O SCALE N.Y. City EL Structure and Track Fabrication methods used by Joseph Frank on his O SCALE EL Layout:
========================================================
IF you USE WOOD - use ONLY BASS (strong) and NOT balsa (very soft and spongy) wood for all track or EL structural (ie: Track Girders deck work, etc)
My measurements for bass-wood items can also apply to optional use of Evergreen Styrene shapes also --your choice -- however wood "looks and paints" better! Using Atlas O SCALE 2 rail scale Flex or snap track for track work, I use the following for:
(1) -- TRACK GIRDERS - and CROSS SPAN GIRDERS going from EL Column to Column
________________________________________________________________________
Bass Wood 1/16" x 1" for track girders AND 1/8" x 1" for CROSS (Span) Girders - your choice to use either type for either application.. however I prefer the 1/8" thick units for strength on CROSS SPAN girders. The depth of your girders will be a scale 4 feet and track girders could be made to 12" (48 feet) lengths. To economize you can do 44 feet (11") lengths to get 2 track girders from one 22" long bass wood strip "girder plate" - your choice.
(2) -- Flat "plate girder" strips final Finishing Details
___________________________________________________
These wood plate girders are then faced off on both sides with either "hat" strips or "T" strips 3/32" wide spaced every 1 inch (4 scale feet) along the girder sides to represent plate section joint-seams.
And finally, installing are Top and Bottom web-flanges of track girders --- 3/8" x 1/16" strips -- I prefer styrene strips "ACC'd" to the wood track girder sections tops and bottoms.
(3) -- LONG WOOD CROSSTIES -- 1/8 x 3/16" For O SCALE ATLAS 2 Rail Scale Track.
_________________________________________________________________________
The size can be increased slightly for thicker Gargraves Wood ties (to match end profiles) or for other types of 3-rail track tie thicknesses ---your measurement decision;
These strips come in 22 inch lengths.
(4) -- TRACKSIDE WOOD GUARD TIMBERS -- 5/32" x 5/32"
________________________________________________________
These match height of - or can be a tiny tad lower than) scale 1:48 size Atlas O Scale solid T rail -- YOUR size will (should) reflect the size of the track running rail on the 3-rail track of your choice--and should be a tiny tad below the rail top height to insure clearance of truck sideframe bottoms of ALL trucks of any cars you run on your EL.
NOTE: These in modern times (over the last 15 years) are replaced during major track rebuilding by apprx. 4 real inches prototype wide steel strapping...check nycsubway.org website for photos of trackways in present days for the "look" of these straps. Much of the system still has the wood, however.
(5) -- WOODEN CATWALK PLANKWAYS -- 1/16" x 1/8"
____________________________________________________
This size would remain standard no matter what brand 2 or 3 rail track you use.
(6) -- OUTSIDE 3rd RAIL CHAIR BLOCKS
_____________________________________
These I cut square blocks from 3/16" x 3/16" wood strips of 22' long each.
Can also use Solid STYRENE strips of same size.
(7) -- OUTSIDE "EL STYLE" Uncovered THIRD RAIL
_______________________________________________
I use HO Code 100 rail for 3rd rail with 1:48 2 rail track running rail - or optional code .125 rail if you are using larger than code 148 running rail size on 2 or 3 rail track.
I model pre-1960 IRT and BMT "exposed" early "Elevated style" third rail for joint subway paddle shoes (which slide under a covered third rail "cover board") and "elevated car" drop sled shoes which drop down onto and ride on top of the 3rd rail -- thus not allowing use of a cover board.
(8) -- THIRD RAIL COVER BOARD -- OPTIONAL
______________________________________
This is prototype for todays NYC Transit and LIRR present 3rd Rail System --- you must fabricate the third rail cover using 1/16 x 1/4"
Support "bracket straps" from the ties to the cover board can be made with thin strips of solid brass or steel wire or flat narrow brass strips. A tedious job as you will need (heh) hundreds of these for the cover boards' supports over your third (outside) rails.
(9) -- "EL" SUPPORT COLUMNS -
____________________
I use PLASTRUCT ABS Plastic - Plastruct column size H-10. This is a very strong plastic material.
(10) -- INSIDE OF TRACK GUARD RAILS (between running rails)
_________________________________________________________
Code .148 or slightly lower (smaller) rail --- for my Atlas O Scale 2 Rail Track. The Guard Rails should NEVER be higher (better just a bit lower) than your running rails to clear truck motor bottoms, gears on wheelsets, and those "un-coupler tacks" on MTH subway Car couplers, and etc.
(11) -- CURVED FLANGE-BEARING Guard RAILS
_________________________________________
For my Atlas O Scale 2 Rail Track I use Code .148 rail butted close (rail web to rail web) to the code .148 running rail to form the narrow slot that causes (as in prototype) the back of the wheel flange to slide along the "curved Flange rail" --which guides the inside wheelsets on a curve around the sharp curves and prevents the outer wheel from trying to ride up or over the ouside curved rail. This architectural and engineering design is what
causes the "squeals" on sharp curved EL and subway Tracks...and crews periodically "grease" these flange rails !!
NOTE: ABOVE DETAIL NOT RECOMMENDED for 3 rail operation !
I use pro-scale .135 tread and flange scale steel 30" & 33" insulated 2-rail NWSL wheels on scale profile T-rail Atlas solid rail track, which in this case operate like the real wheels on flanged curve tracks. MTH subway set wheel Treads are too wide and flanges TOO THICK to clear scale-dimensioned (as I have) "curved-flange- rails" slots . This technique is also used on my scale switch tracks ---
BUT ALSO NOT Recommended for 3 rail switches per MTH wheelsets either.
(12) -- CATWALK RAILINGS
___________________________ -
I use PLASTRUCT ABS Plastic Item # HR-8, O Scale Railings
(13) -- ASSORTED SIZES LATTICE STRUCTURAL GIRDERS
__________________________________________________
--for spans, braces, station roof framing and support columns -- get "Central Valley Bridge Girder" kit packages...part 1902-5. Also Check out PLASTRUCT various sized Lattice girder items of same.
I hope this info helps any O Scale Modeler-readers somewhat.
Its ALL the tiny details collectively that make the structure and track work look good!!
Go to my FLICKR ALBUMS Website (Google-search-found under " Irtelman ") Photo Website,
--save that FLICKR ALBUMS site also --to frequently check track work where there are close-ups of those details!
Regards - Best of Luck !!
Joe F !
Webmaster - NYC Transit Modelers Group Forum Board
Drool. Now THAT's intimidating!
Hello ALL:
I figured I would now show some assorted overhead and streetside views of some of my O-Scale NYC style EL Stations, platforms, stairways, that I totally scratch built. This work was done back in 1985. For those familiar with this subject matter I hope you get the feel of the real thing !
Regards - Joe F
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You mean, Joe, this isn't the real thing?
Simply amazing.
Hello CTS Rapid, and Jon (Mill City)
What is "intimidating"? The list of scratch building materials needed to create the finished work, or, heh, the finished work ?!!
Jon - I lived along the "real thing" for many years, long ago, and have seen somewhat similar scenes in recent years, in recent visits to NYC, of the real thing. The idea in my mind is to TRY to replicate it as best as my memory and visual aids (old and newer photos, etc) can help to facilitate-- if only in the limitations of the Scale Model World.
Try some of my night scenes shown BELOW seen on and along my N Y City EL System and stations.
Regards ! - Joe F
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Outstanding modeling, Joe. I don't think I seen anything it's equal.
Joe, what color green is that?
Hello Chipset ---
????? !!! Be more specific as to what "that" is / in your question - please !!!
And "where" is "that" which you are asking about ????
Regards - Joe F
Originally Posted by Joseph Frank:
Hello Guys - to:
NYC Boy, Rich in NH, Jon (Mill city), Tinplate Art
Thanks guys for the nice comments on my modeling work and layout which I appreciate ! Its a LOT to look at and review on my FLICKR ALBUMS Site !
--- NYC BOY --- Per your question to me --- see the list below. I also make use of various types and thicknesses of cardstock (even index card stock) for certain structural applications, details, and finishing materials ! Here below is a printed listing I created long ago outlining what I basically used to construct my EL structure "steelwork" and for creating the EL style track work:
======================================================
O SCALE N.Y. City EL Structure and Track Fabrication methods used by Joseph Frank on his O SCALE EL Layout:
========================================================
IF you USE WOOD - use ONLY BASS (strong) and NOT balsa (very soft and spongy) wood for all track or EL structural (ie: Track Girders deck work, etc)
My measurements for bass-wood items can also apply to optional use of Evergreen Styrene shapes also --your choice -- however wood "looks and paints" better! Using Atlas O SCALE 2 rail scale Flex or snap track for track work, I use the following for:
............................
Regards - Best of Luck !!
Joe F !
Webmaster - NYC Transit Modelers Group Forum Board
Thanks for the info! I dont really have that much familiarity with building these structures from scratch. I may just go the route of paying some one to build it for me. Did you purchase your supplies from http://www.evergreenscalemodels.com/ ?
Can I find all the supplies you used on this website?
Hello "nycboy" --
YES -- EVERGREEN Styrene products I use a lot for ALL Scratchbuilding (Rolling stock, buildings, kitbashing via add on materials, structures, etc.
Here is the link to PLASTRUCT ABS and styrene plastic parts via catalog --
http://www.plastruct.com/Pages/Catalog.html#DL
================================================
and to NORTHEASTERN Scale wood - catalog parts page
http://www.northeasternscalelu...NESLCatalog_2013.pdf
=====================================================
I use BRASS shapes for some small structurally strong parts also, where it would be required or wise to use them in structure or buiulding construction scratchbuilding.
SMOOTH cardstock (like index card or similar thickness cardstock) is great for many construction uses and the such - properly back-reinforced of course.
Of course, building something (a layout, whatever) in such major scratchbuilding endeavors for much of it, such as, ie: my own layout and modeling, takes a lot of dedication, skill, perseverence, patience and basic hands-on modeling knowledge and skills. Doing such modeling for 55 years I have learned much myself and from other long-ago master rail hobby moders in the hobby! Its a constant learning and discovering process, especially with all the new parts and products available currently and over the past 25 years - many not available for us (me) back in the 1960's-80's !!
Regards - J. Frank
Originally Posted by Joseph Frank:
Hello "nycboy" --
YES -- EVERGREEN Styrene products I use a lot for ALL Scratchbuilding (Rolling stock, buildings, kitbashing via add on materials, structures, etc.
Here is the link to PLASTRUCT ABS and styrene plastic parts via catalog --
http://www.plastruct.com/Pages/Catalog.html#DL
================================================
and to NORTHEASTERN Scale wood - catalog parts page
http://www.northeasternscalelu...NESLCatalog_2013.pdf
=====================================================
I use BRASS shapes for some small structurally strong parts also, where it would be required or wise to use them in structure or buiulding construction scratchbuilding.
SMOOTH cardstock (like index card or similar thickness cardstock) is great for many construction uses and the such - properly back-reinforced of course.
Of course, building something (a layout, whatever) in such major scratchbuilding endeavors for much of it, such as, ie: my own layout and modeling, takes a lot of dedication, skill, perseverence, patience and basic hands-on modeling knowledge and skills. Doing such modeling for 55 years I have learned much myself and from other long-ago master rail hobby moders in the hobby! Its a constant learning and discovering process, especially with all the new parts and products available currently and over the past 25 years - many not available for us (me) back in the 1960's-80's !!
Regards - J. Frank
Well it seems you like you have alot of experience in this stuff. Whats the basic tools that I would need to cut and paste these structures together? Thanks!
Unbelievable!! That is amazing work. Several of those pictures you have to study just to realize that they are models. Keep those photos coming!
Hello again "nycboy" ---
Check this page link out --- this is a TUTORIAL page that should address your most basic questions --for starters. Excellent text and photos laden "how to" instructions for "Model EL Construcxtion" - in O SCALE.
http://www.nycmodeltransit.org/ModelEl.htm
You can use parts as described in my own lengthy listings in my much further above earlier message - and incorporate PLASTRUCT and EVERGREEN large LATTICE Girders where needed. However, most EL's today (those built past 1900 as such) are Plate Girder construction thru-out, to handle heavy rolling stock.
Regards - Joe (Frank)
On the El Structure, the metal girders, some shade of green?
Hello "chipset" ---
OK, thats better !
I painted my entire EL STRUCTURE "EL Columns" and Cross Girder Spans and track girder span, and all Lattice bracing span girders, a Grimy Flat Black (Floquill) - and the Station houses and station canopy roof support girder work and support posts, etc. were painted Floquill Pullman Green. These colors replicated as close as to what I remember and regularly saw on quite many portions of the pre 1960 era old IRT and BMT EL structures.
The Manhattan 3rd Ave EL I lived along had black columns, and so did a few other EL's I knew of. It was in the early to mid 1960's that the NYCTA started a systemwide structures repainting using, variously, a form of sky blue, or a forest green, and even a medium tan - for structure repaintings. And not in any order. Some El lines had portions featured two of the colors variously at the same time.
The Black Painted structures faded over 30 or so years changed to a soot-dirty sort of dark-rust streaked hue by the time they were repainted. The Black seemed to be a 1920's thru 50's choice as it didn't show, heh, dirt and grime.
Its your CHOICE as to what colors you want to use. Go to nycsubway.org and look at photos there that include structures predominately in view. Unfortunately, the majority of the pre-1960's era photos are Black & White. I assume you want to use a more contemporary color for any EL structure you built. I attached 3 photos of the 3rd Ave (Manhattan) EL I where i lived along it - buit in 1877 thru 1880 and torn down between August and Dec. 1955. Note the Black steelwork
By the way, for some years now I see here (search mode) that you have asked about EL Structure colors. Have you since ever built an O Scale/Gauge city rapid transit EL line and structures on your layout yet ?
Regards - Joe F
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Thanks!
I actually bought Hunters Green today and then realized its probably not "flat"...
Back to shopping for paint!
Hello "chipset" --
You can buy DULL COTE Spray (from TESTORS) - or any other flat finish spray coating - to make the Hunter Green Gloss Paint become a flat finish color. This way your Hunters Green paint will not look glossy after its flat-spray treated.
Many times when I had to use a glossy paint (spray usually) from a source other than FLOQUIL for a particular color they didn't have that I needed, I used the DULL COTE Spray to flat-finish that paint if the modeling purpose required such.
Joe F
Thanks Joseph,
Do you think Hunters Green is the proper color to use?
Hello "chipset" --
Here are some prototype NYC EL photos of what for the most part, would be a close match for Hunter Green. Remember, time of day, strength of sunlite (or not) and lighting condition can affect the final portrayal of actual color of paint shown on film. Hunters Green from what I have seen as used on the NJ HiRailers Club huge EL Layout, is close enough and looks appropriate.
Again, its your choice, As far as it being suitable-realistic, Hunters Green will do nicely for the Structurework and EL Support Columns.
Regards - Joe F
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Thanks Joseph I appreciate it!!
Hello again "chipset" --
You are welcome !
Remember - the idea, point, is to try to catch the basic "look and feel" of the Elevated Structures...in construction and painting methods. As I stated, some EL lines hosted various differing paint scheme versions on a particular line, at the same time, depending on when (how many blocks or miles) of structure were painted at an earlier time....and resumed at a later time.
Also, to try to "replicate" as close as possible, rather than try to "match exactly" - a particular color that may not be easily nor readily available to get in the hobby line or in stores, etc.
Again, check out scenes with structures in them (street level views, etc) on this website - link BELOW
--- as there are many tens of thousands of color images to check - and you will notice the various paint schemes used, per the listed date of the photo for an era reference - and note that Station houses and railings used varying colors also !
Regards - Joe F
One of out members climbed up on the Culver line to peel a paint chip off Hunters green is the closest commerv=cial paint from Painters choice The Els have been many different colors Black, tan, blue and green It depends on which time period and el you want
Joe....I think your model looks more realistic than the real thing!!! WOW!!! Well, my "EL" modeling will never be the same for sure! Back to work!!
Thanks for becoming a member over here....I just hope that you post some of your wonderful modeling on the main forum as well as the scenery forum...heck, on all of them as far as I am concerned! Too many folks miss out by not looking around at the other sub-forums.
Alan
Hello Joseph, Gotta thank you again for helping me out. Read the tutorials you sent me, I definitley have a better understanding of building from scratch. Before I order from evergreen I just want to know what are the name of these pieces you used for these structure.
Orange = canopies
blue=Ribs\griders?
Yellow = Pillers
Blue= Canopies
Green=station platform
red= platform elevated beam. What is the height of it to reach the train perfectly?
yellow= Catwalk
Purple= Catwalk
brown= Wooden beams for catwalk
It would be nice to know the part numbers for the structure that ive highlighted. Hopefully you understand what im trying to ask. Thanks again!
