The model 0412 Minnesota & Northwestern Flag Stop Depot is the 1:20.3 scale version of the 0410 Flag Stop Depot (1:24 scale) used on the Motor Line in the suburbs of St. Paul, Minnesota around 1871.  The reason for choosing this depot was not based upon its lineage, but based upon its classic look of the late 1800's!  The tall narrow windows and doors of the depot produce an unique look that makes the depot appear larger than it actually is.  The long overhang of the eaves of the roof, provide needed shelter for its passengers, a major requirement for depots of the northern and mid-west portions of the country. Overall, it is a perfect fit for any branch line or narrow gauge railroad, and an ideal replacement for many old plastic depots!

 

  This structure also originated from a request by Matt Brown, owner of the Slate Creek Railway in North Carolina. His railway required all structures to be of 1:20.3 scale and felt that the 0410 Flag Stop Depot in 1:20.3 scale would be a perfect fit!  PCGRS is committed to helping the customer get what they want, instead of having to settle for what only is available!  So with a little design work, we have a new structure to offer the public, and Matt has a structure that fits his needs!

 

   The depot  is a strong structure that is mounted on a dark gray PVC base to protect it from ground moisture and provide a sturdy means of attaching extra detail. This structure features a centered front door that leads into the passenger waiting area, along with another door and window on the end of the depot.  The station agents office is on the left end of the depot, with many windows around the depot to allow lots of light inside.  This is perfect for adding optional interior detail (see link).

   The walls of the depot are built from individually milled redwood strips, glued together with waterproof glue, to form the board and batten siding. The siding is secured to an interior wall to form a structurally sound wall. For more support, all of the internal corners and bases of the walls have 3/8" x 3/8" redwood members to reinforce the structure. All surfaces inside and out (except those between the depot and the PVC) are double stained to seal the surface from moisture.  The solid redwood subroof minimizes the chances of the roof being crushed, if something or someone should accidentally fall on it.  The depot can also be obtained with cedar shingles, corrugated metal, or tarpaper roofing.  It can be obtained in our standard colors (link to Color Selection), or it can be obtained as raw redwood.