Union Station - huge modular passenger train terminal with canopy covering the tracks - real world MOC (updated 10/6/25)

[Murdoch17]

This fictional train station was originally inspired by Grand Central Terminal in New York City, and this MOC on Rebrickable. (although me and my dad's is slightly smaller in depth, is done differently and has a second floor).  This station was created to go with my dad's two massive 48x48 passenger canopies, and I designed the first floor for him along with some of the roof, while he designed everything else.

Showing how LOOONG this station is! (It's really not long enough, actually - the Santa Fe Super Chief sticks out the other end by a whole two cars + engines!)

The street-facing side of Union Station. The station is modular building compatible.

There are three lines of train tracks inside this shed. After I took these photos on Sept 13th, he modified the model so the canopy tops can come off to get at the insides.

My dad has built two of these 3-track long train shed canopy models, with the inside of both shown here. The completed canopy is 7 tracks long when all placed together and 3 tracks wide.

Inside view of the upper floor with roof removed. (there are no interior details for any of the building yet)

Inside the lower level. This lattice work has been removed since these pics were taken in mid-September.

UPDATE 10/6/25: Whole post revised with the second floor and station canopy segments added in, along with next text and all-new photos.

Thoughts?

Edited October 6 by Murdoch17

[JopieK]

Very nice @Murdoch17. Let the trains enter!

[Feuer Zug]

Quite the terminus and train shed. I like the neo-classical architecture and the use of the new clock elements. My only concern is the solid train shed roof. If you look at European stations, the shed often has clear panels to allow light in. It makes for a much better atmosphere. That must have taken a few cups of hinges at the pick-a-brick wall to make.

[Murdoch17]

1 minute ago, Feuer Zug said:

Quite the terminus and train shed. I like the neo-classical architecture and the use of the new clock elements. My only concern is the solid train shed roof. If you look at European stations, the shed often has clear panels to allow light in. It makes for a much better atmosphere. That must have taken a few cups of hinges at the pick-a-brick wall to make.

Thank you @Feuer Zug. And yes, over 270 hinges for the main sections together, with the leftovers being used for the smaller section later. The shed portions were first constructed almost a decade ago, and my dad basically refused any advice on skylights / smoke vents from anyone at that time... he's really stubborn like that. But yes, I totally agree with you on the matter!

1 hour ago, JopieK said:

Very nice @Murdoch17. Let the trains enter!

Thanks @JopieK!

[Selander]

Very impressive building 🏫 🤗

[Murdoch17]

6 hours ago, Selander said:

Very impressive building 🏫 🤗

Thank you @Selander!

[Murdoch17]

@JopieK @Selander @Feuer Zug

Main post updated 10/6/25: The whole first post has been revised with the second floor and station canopy segments added in, along with next text and all-new photos. This model will also be at a train show this weekend, and I'll try to take pictures of it in the layout GtwLUG is planning!

Thoughts? (If I tagged you, you commented before and i thought you might want to see the updated model.)

Edited October 6 by Murdoch17

[Shiva]

Nice :)

[zephyr1934]

Impressive!

 

Are platforms on the todo list? Some terminal stations like this had low level platforms, so the simplest solution would only require a bunch of tiles.

[JopieK]

Do I spot a Santa Fe?!

[Murdoch17]

14 hours ago, Shiva said:

Nice :)

Thanks @Shiva!

9 hours ago, zephyr1934 said:

Impressive!

 

Are platforms on the todo list? Some terminal stations like this had low level platforms, so the simplest solution would only require a bunch of tiles.

Thank you @zephyr1934! It appears platforms are not in the cards - my father has been adamant that no platforms will be made. (He's been saying this since he built those canopies in 2015.) Sorry!

5 hours ago, JopieK said:

Do I spot a Santa Fe?!

Yes you do @JopieK! He's got two limited-edition engines, a custom B unit, and all the cars. My father's wanted a custom dome car for decades, but I can't find a period correct design that he likes.