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I am interested in creating a train shed / canopy that covers 2-3 rails for 4-5 feet length of track siding (i.e. something moderate in size).  Of course, MTH and Lionel have 1-2 prefabricated ABS units, but these are small, completely covered and generic.  I am looking for something more open and with character (like this photo).  BridgeBoss has some beautiful structures, but are outside of my budget, especially for something so relatively large.  So, I am wondering if anybody can share another forum post, pictures, product recommendations, kits, patterns, or ideas on the best way to go about such a project.  I have little skill and less time, but I am ready for a challenge.  I am thinking about just trying to find / design some patterns and start with cutting painted balsa wood.  Also, something like O scale erector set pieces (if such a thing existed) might work too.  Please share if you have the inclination.  Thanks.

- marktrainshed

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  • St. Louis Union Station train shed
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I echo what Carl says - check out the Plastruct web site. For some ideas see below. I cover my sheds but you could substitute open web trusses for the I-beams inside the shed (see the shed front). Alan Graziano built an open shed a while back that mimics the photo you posted. If you can find his photos take a look. 

Joe

Engine Shed 005Engine Shed [1)Engine Shed [3)Engine Shed [7)HO Scale Loading Dock 009

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  • Engine Shed 005
  • Engine Shed  (1)
  • Engine Shed  (3)
  • Engine Shed  (7)
  • HO Scale Loading Dock 009

I will echo what Jim says about his Bridgeboss train sheds.  I've never found a kit that more duplicates the look and feel of a big city train shed than his kits.  My station has not nearly the number of sheds that Alan's does, but still gives the "big city" feel.  And that is an advantage of buying his kits, you can add more to your station over time if you wish.

IMG_0644 [1)IMG_0643

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  • IMG_0644 (1)
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Last edited by OGR CEO-PUBLISHER
DrTrainDad posted:

I am interested in creating a train shed / canopy that covers 2-3 rails for 4-5 feet length of track siding (i.e. something moderate in size).  Of course, MTH and Lionel have 1-2 prefabricated ABS units, but these are small, completely covered and generic.  I am looking for something more open and with character (like this photo).  BridgeBoss has some beautiful structures, but are outside of my budget, especially for something so relatively large.  So, I am wondering if anybody can share another forum post, pictures, product recommendations, kits, patterns, or ideas on the best way to go about such a project.  I have little skill and less time, but I am ready for a challenge.  I am thinking about just trying to find / design some patterns and start with cutting painted balsa wood.  Also, something like O scale erector set pieces (if such a thing existed) might work too.  Please share if you have the inclination.  Thanks.

- marktrainshed

If you have little skill, less time and no money that project seems unlikely, just kidding Make a drawing, build the structure and then detail it out. Not as difficult as it seems. It can also be constructed in sections.

Thanks for the references and encouragement.  I looked around a bit and frankly, I have not found anything as beautiful as Jim's bridgeboss structure kits (PeterA- your station is gorgeous).  The Plastruct catalog is great- what a resource, but since I don't have much tooling in my "shop" yet, I think we will definitely go the bridgeboss route.  Just bought some elevated track structures from Jim and was very impressed.  Well worth the investment.  So, we will be saving our allowance...  

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