DAWSON HALL GLENFINNAN STATION
The huge concrete viaduct on the West Highland Railway Extension at Glenfinnan has always been a famous structure, but since its starring role in the Harry Potter films, it’s become a true icon. The continued focus on the viaduct has meant that Glenfinnan’s delightful station has always lived in its shadows. But while you can’t compare the two when it comes to scenic grandeur, the station arguably trumps the viaduct when it comes to character. It opened in April 1901 and still performs its duties, particularly as a passing place, but the distinctive single storey station building now houses the Glenfinnan Station Museum. The station is therefore suitable for modellers of all eras and, when paired with the stunning Highland surroundings and nearby viaduct, a Glenfinnan station layout is a tantalising prospect. It makes an ideal subject for a kit or ‘ready-to-plant’ model and laser-cut card building specialist Dawson Hall has taken up the challenge. It has produced both the station and its signalbox and should make a popular addition to the County Down outfit’s growing range. Available in both 4mm and 7mm scales (we received the latter), the models certainly impress. No sooner had I removed the buildings from their packaging, the prying eyes of other Model Rail team members - and the wider office - were vying for a closer look at the two structures. As with other Dawson Hall products, the build quality is solid and the finish excellent. The stucco walls on the station building is particularly faithful to the prototype, and roof tiles are individually cut to provide realistic relief. The signal box roof can be removed to reveal a printed wooden floor, welcoming any interior details or lighting additions one might like to include. It’s a shame that this hasn’t been repeated on the station building, if only for lighting installation - although a station or even museum interior would make an interesting detailing project. Aesthetically, both of these models look beautiful. It would have been nice to find provision for point rodding on the signal box, but this is only a minor detail. Perhaps the biggest draw is that these buildings are meticulously handcrafted. This is reflected in the price, and the many hours that go into the design, construction and finishing processes should quell any doubts as to value for money. My only real reservation is the quality of the printed details on the station building. The colours, particularly on the posters, are not correct and the imagery is slightly blurry. It may be that many modellers would want to include their own choice of printed details anyway, since this is an easy fix. As a premium item, however, it’s a shame such a small element slightly detracts from what is otherwise a beautifully finished and highly recommended product. That said, I can’t wait to see what Dawson Hall comes up with next.