Fabulous layout - updated

(see update below)

And it "rang a bell". In 1954, on my way to Ft. Knox for Army radio repair school, I traveled via Santa Fe (Chief, I believe), boarding at Barstow, CA. The ride was my first on a train. There was a layover of a few minutes in KC Union Station, so I got off, walked to the street and took a short walk up the road - must have been Main Street. I recall having been able to see the train sitting on the tracks while walking back to the station, and, yes, I boarded before the departure. I had a connection in Chicago to the L&N (reading this, Rick Wade?) that took me into Louisville and then the Greyhound from there to Ft. Knox. As memory serves, the Chief was diesel powered, but the L&N was steam. I did not get the opportunity to look at either loco.

I decided to use Google Earth a few minutes ago to see if the station was still there and looked the same. Google Earth did not serve me well or the original building is gone. I then search on Google for Union Station, Kansas City and at the top was. lo and behold, this link:

http://www.unionstation.org

On the home page is a B&W pic of the original station. I also checked the "exhibits & events" button and found that the station boasts a multi-scale model railroad layout. It is apparently in the old power company building. I could not find pictures, but there is a nice short description of it.

The station building was preserved. When looking for the station with Google Earth, I was looking from the Main Street Google street view, when I should have been looking from the Pershing Road. Lo and behold, there stand the station in all it's grandeur. The downside is the street view was taken on the wrong side of the fountain, so the fountain water spout obscures some of the building.

Here is a link to the model railroad write-up referred to above:

http://www.unionstation.org/railexperience.html

BTW, the station also has a full size F7 on display.

KCS Modeler

As a KCS modeler I have always admired Dr Muff's work. 

Thank you for the video tour of his very fine basement and layout.

WOW!!!!

Kansas City Southern

The word "awesome" is used too freely these days, but it's perfect to describe this layout!

Ian

Positively Unreal!

Nick Muff has created the most amazing museum experience... in his basement! I've been pretty impressed by some layouts, but what Nick has done, has completely blown my mind!

I say this in a most positive

I say this in a most positive congratulatory manner, you are absolutely insanely crazy nuts!!!!! I like it!

Steve

More KC depot pix

Bill

Here is a link to more pictures and drawings of the KC depot on the Frisco website:

http://thelibrary.org/lochist/frisco/postcards/depotkc.cfm

Thanks, Jim

Thanks for the link to the postcards on the Frisco site. I venture to say Dr. Nick would probably value these greatly.

Incredible modeling

I just finished reading the article and Dr. Nick has done some incredible modeling - and from half a continent away too.   And to finish out his basement like a real car and engine is inspiring.   My daughter and her husband live in KC and I sent her a link to the article.  The next time we visit, I will have to go see the original.

WOW! That's all I can say is

WOW! That's all I can say is wow.

Speechless

I am modeling Kansas City myself, would love to get hold on plans for KC Union station although I am not looking to build the exact prototype on my layout, its in N-scale and I would like to achieve the look and feel of KC. Thank you very much for the video, I hope one day I can visit Nicks layout.

This man is a...

This man is a Master Craftsman.  Amazing railroad museum he has.

Fantastic

I had heard rumors and seen brief glimpses of Dr. Muff's layout and proto locomotive cab in his basement, but to actually see it up close is beyond expectations. Not only are his modeling skills top-notch but his craftsmenship and attention to detail on his locomotive and scratch-built passenger car are beyond words. Thanks for bringing this fantastic layout to the MRH readers. I hope to be able to visit Nicks layout in person someday as he is only a couple of hours up the road. Truely an inspiring railfan and modeler. And that KC Union Station............amazing!

Dr Muff

I got the chance to see this layout in person years ago. It is good to see the progress he has made since then. I have to say, though, that as good as the article and the associated video are, they still don't do it justice! It is an incredible work of art!

George

Awesome!

What a work of art!  Now I know why it's a good thing that I don't have a basement, because that's what I would want in it!  What an impressive creation Dr. Muff has assembled!  Why would he ever emerge from down there?  

How about some video of the layout in action?  I'd love to see his passenger trains navigating that complex trackwork.

Congratulations to Dr Muff.

MVH

The Devil Is In The Details

The first thing I noticed about the cover picture wasn't the tracks, or the building, it was the trailer on the right side of the bridge, that said Mound City. My mom grew up in Mound City, KS and I have been there many times (the last time photographing ideas for modeling purposes).

I've never been to Union Station in KC, (Union Station in Denver doesn't count) but the fact that Dr. Muff has modeled two underground levels in addition to the above ground, allows anyone to feel like they've been to the place.

I was reading the article at work, and showing a co-worker the images. He just couldn't believe the interior shots weren't a real building. Someday when I grow up, I hope to do half as well at modeling, as Dr. Muff.

U.S. Mail Trucks

What model(s) did the good doctor use to create the U.S. Mail trucks? They are spot on for the 40s and 50s.

Dr Muff's talent!!

If you think he is talented you should check out this layout.

http://magnoliaroute.com/magnolia_route_001.htm

Dr. Muff drew the full H.O scale plans for this man's New Orleans Station

Please pay attention to how long it took him to build the station and how big it is.

Doug Hatman

Incredible detail

The article gets a 6 star rating, out of 5. The layout and trainroom is really more of a theme park experience. I give it an 11.

USKC, model train layout

Yes, Bill, Union Station Kansas City is one of the best-kept secrets in the rail-related world of America. It is the nation's second largest train station, right after New York's Grand Central Terminal. We now have a permanent model train display running G, O, S, HO, N and soon On30 as well. It occupies a space of some 8,000 square feet and is staffed by volunteers.

I photographed the restoration of Union Station, a $260 million project that was made possible by a first-ever, historic bi- state lines sales tax which raised about 2/3rds of the amount. The rest was from corporations and wealthy individuals.

To see some of my images of the magnificent structure please visit http://www.unionstationphotos.com. I have made photos of the Model Railroad Experience, but have not yet posted any.

Happy to see that you found us

Cheers,

Roy Inman

PS: Nick Muff's work is indeed awesome! He has emailed several of us in KC over the years as his fabulous work has proceeded. I think the guy doesn't sleep < LOL>

Closterphobic

A bit close for me. I was a vendor at that train show for several years. Would love to see the waiting area if it was done.

A real F7.... Woow!!!

Looks good!

Kansas City

Dear Dr. Muff:

The first photo (the lead shot)  I saw in MRH had no title but intregued me-  I modeled part of the station some years back for a project, and I have been through there on the train many years ago- I recognized the photo as Kansas City and hoped there would be an article to follow.  When I saw your article I was pleased to see that this was part of a fine operating simulation of the KCS operation in miniature. 

Well built realistic layouts seldom also have the small details you have added, and they complete the scene so well. I hope other modelers will see this and emulate what you have done on their model railroads. The interior photos of the waiting room show off your fine model work.  I am glad to see your layout showcased in MRH. 

-Victor Roseman

How Big the Basement?

What a layout....

This is the most Amazing display I have ever seen. Fabulous work.

KCS station layout is outstanding

It was difficult to find a superlative that wasnt used.

This article is over the top for two reasons.

One the layout, particularly the detail, is first class. The amenities with passenger car interior and F7 cab are really fabulous. (I hate that descriptor, but everything else has been used.)

Two the article coverage. MRH coverage is the ONLY way to do this layout justice. You guys did a great job, again. Ezine coverage is the wave of the future for covering our hobby.

Vetadmiral - Dave Hunt

Gilbert (Arizona) Model Railroad Club.