USA Depot Structure in Z Scale: Archistories Goldtree Station

[z.scale.hobo]

Adding to USA structures for Z scale, z.scale.hobo has collaborated with Archistories to make an American prototype train station kit.

"Goldtree Station" - fictitious branch line depot for passengers and freight. Small in size but big on details. Laser cut architectural grade cardboard with tested and true fit.

Dimensions: 4.80" x 2.36" x 1.77" (122 x 60 x 45mm)





Archistories kits are pre-colored and ready to assemble with tested, true fit. No painting needed.

Interior light blocking to allow lighting by room and a new feature in that windows are not glued in place but instead secured by bracing supports on the structure itself.

Already wildly successful since its release last year, this station has found its way onto some of the higher profile Z-Bend Track module layouts as well as T-Trak-Z layouts. The station is readily available from z scale dealer z.scale.hobo in California.

Photos / product page:
https://zscalehobo.com/archistories/101181.html

Sincerely,
Frank Daniels
z.scale.hobo
www.zscalehobo.com

[peteski]

Gorgeous.  But the tile roof and  overall look makes it seem more European than American to me.

I wonder how long it will take for someone complain that N scale gets no love.    I'm not into Z scale, but I'm really happy to see Z scale getting some love.  Still, it would be nice to see these kits scaled up for N scale. 

[Jbub]

Gorgeous.  But the tile roof and  overall look makes it seem more European than American to me.

I wonder how long it will take for someone complain that N scale gets no love.    I'm not into Z scale, but I'm really happy to see Z scale getting some love.  Still, it would be nice to see these kits scaled up for N scale.

As long as it took you to write the next two sentences   

[z.scale.hobo]

I appreciate your feedback ... The track side is similar to an SP type depot, although that was certainly not in the design parameters; it just happened ... nothing like seen in Europe. The city side is rich with windows to light the room for waiting passengers. Tile roofs are all over the west, as far as I know. Maybe I missed all the stations in my research. Let me know what % of stations don't have tile roofs, I would be interested to see your research results. I also offer a gray roof material as well as a scratch build item specifically if you want a different look: https://zscalehobo.com/archistories/807181.html

About scaling it up for N scale ... A kit this detailed in Z scaled up for N is not a trivial task, mind you, due to all the cuts and details added through laser time. By my loose estimate, it would likely be around $70 due to processing time. But in reality and based on my experience offering N items, this is way out of the price range for N scalers. With Z we more ability to focus on fine details at a price point that is in line with those who pay attention to fine details in our scale. This is not some cardboard box that has been simply cut. It has intricate details and textures added. That's laser time and that's added cost.

As a 20 year Z scale retailer, one large complaint has been a lack of available US structures. I am trying to change that by introducing this kit (released in late 2018 and a first full-colored ready-to-assemble USA station kit in Z scale's 47 year history!) and now some others are also entering the market with more Z kits (yay!). I have enough faith in the market to produce this kit and definitely see it growing stronger and very soon.

Again, I appreciate the feedback and hope more feedback is coming. Thanks!

Regards,
Frank Daniels
owner - z.scale.hobo

[peteski]

Thanks for the thorough reply Frank.  My comment on European look was made without any research - just an opinion based on the world I see around me. Besides my comment was that the structure just "seems more European than American". I guess I should have added "seems to me".  You clearly stated that it is a on a fictitious branch, so the structure itself can be fictitious too.

As far as the estimated N scale kit price goes, yes that does seem a bit steep for majority of N scalers, but you would likely find few willing to pay that.  It is a gorgeous building.  But like you said, the quantity you would sell may not be enough to make it your worthwhile.  That is something that you obviously know more about than I do.

[wazzou]

I've got to agree that it still has a Marklin look to it.
The same roofing as on the platform would go a long way to change that and IMO would aid US sales.

[Cajonpassfan]

I’m a bit reluctant to comment, because it’s such a nicely executed, clean model, and something that’s certainly needed. But, this is the Railwire, right?  Not just attaboys...? The instant I saw it, it shouted “European” at me as well. Something about the proportions and symmetry of the main structure, the raised concrete (?) foundations and the raised covered platform, heavy tile roof on a wood framed building, etc. I’m not saying these things never happened in the US, but if this is meant to be a generic/typical combination depot, it just doesn’t feel right to me.

There’s only one reason railroads built their less important depots of wood: it was cheap, and didn’t require particularly skilled labor to nail together with two-by’s and wood siding. They were typically sitting on wooden floor joists supported by beams and piers or even just wooden sills, and if there was a partial or full basement, the walls would have been stone (or masonry). Again typically, the finish floor would not be too high above grade, maybe a step or two if that. The roof would likely be a cheap material, too...shingles, shakes, or rolled composition. There would definitely be no raised platform for passengers, but the freight house floor would be elevated like the model to allow loading from carts and vehicles.

To be constructive, if I were to build this kit, a few modifications would go a long way, in my humble opinion. I’d drop the main structure and lower or eliminate its foundation and raised passenger platform.  I would probably also remove the platform roof and expose the bay window to give the operator a better view out.... it’s such an iconic element and it’s well done. I’d definitely replace the main roof with something more appropriate, perhaps to match the freight house. And I’d cover the freight house foundation to look like stone or wood siding.

Since a Southern Pacific depot was mentioned, I’m attaching a pic of the SP Goleta depot, one of their standard designs typical of many to illustrate some of the modifications I’m suggesting. Again, these are just my opinions, and others’ mileage may vary.
Otto K.

[z.scale.hobo]

Further underscoring the great reception Z scale Goldtree Train Station has received, it has graced the cover of the latest issue of Ztrack Magazine...

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It is part of a feature discussing the rise of T-Trak-Z modular layout standards. Goldtree was the centerpiece of the first module and both the addition to the module as well as the mag cover are solid "attaboys" when we weren't really looking for such validation.  It's nice, nonetheless.

While I'd love for everyone to rush out and buy a kit, take your time and plan your layout - keep the kit in mind ... More kits are being introduced in the coming days from Archistories and Z scale is establishing itself as a scale of growth.

Product page: https://zscalehobo.com/archistories/101181.html

[johnb]

Gorgeous.  But the tile roof and  overall look makes it seem more European than American to me.

look at the veranda, the posts...the arches are what makes me think European.