Great Northern Standard 30’x60′ Combination Depot N Scale American Model Builders

The Great Northern Railway utilized a wide variety of depot styles. The majority of the frame depots, however, followed one of two basic standard designs. The simpler of the two was used prior to 1909, but its exact design date is unknown. The plan on which this kit is based was designed in 1909 and renewed in 1930. This standard design was used until a depot modernization program was begun in 1949, which featured new designs.

The 1909 depot featured architectural treatments that were missing on the earlier design, such as angled bay sides, enclosed eaves with special corner treatment, and an external wainscoting, which separated the different types of wall siding. Depots of this design were constructed in several sizes too: 24’ x 48’; 30’ x 60’ (as this kit is modeled); and 30’ x 64’ (with a warm room in the freight end). Larger depots were built when necessary, usually by enlarging the freight and baggage room. The design also featured reversible waiting and freight rooms, so that the waiting room could be placed on the end closest to public access.

While the earliest Great Northern frame depots were painted mineral red, after 1909, a two-tone yellow scheme was utilized which included medium yellow/ochre on the large wall sections with a darker ocher trim on windows, doors, belt rails, and corner posts. Beginning in September 1930, they were painted light gray with darker gray trim. The standard colors became white with green trim in the 1950s.

Kit features: walls, soffit, roof, and platform that are 100 percent laser-cut from quality aircraft grade 3-ply birch plywood with custom laser-scribed siding, wainscoting, and platform deck; individual peel & stick 3-tabbed style shingle strips; the 1909 depot design’s hallmark angled bay window; characteristic roof access ladder hanging on the freight side end wall; laser-cut peel & stick doors, windows with glazing, and trim – all that assemble with ease; resin cast chimney; and clear concise illustrated instructions. Assembled structure measures 4.625” Wide x 2.875” Deep x 1.75” High, including roof overhang, and, when mounted on trackside platform, measures 5.5” Wide x 3.625” Deep.