Introducing the first kit in my Dennis Brennan Signature Series. The Garfield Electric Substation—a brand-new, original O-scale laser-cut kit that brings historically correct realism to your layout. Other Garfield City structures are being developed. Whether tucked into a cityscape or powering up a remote rural scene, the Garfield Electric Substation is the perfect addition to elevating the realism and operational storytelling of your railroad.

A Brief History. At the dawn of the 20th Century, power plants were smaller and scattered across cities, often supplying electricity to a specific neighborhood or district. These plants were typically powered by steam engines or water turbines.

As large, centralized power plants were developed to meet the increasing electricity demand, local power stations were often converted into substations. This involved retrofitting the existing structure by removing the generators, and adding transformers, switchgear, control systems and other necessary equipment for substation operation. If the substation’s electrical capacity needs ever exceeded the space available, outdoor substations would be established next to the indoor substations, space permitting.

Also, in the late 19th and early twentieth centuries, there was a significant shift towards electrifying railroads and trolleys. Railroads often utilized a primary substation that received power directly from a power plant and smaller interconnected substations, allowing power transfer between different sections of the railway system. Streetcar lines also placed substations along their routes to ensure even power distribution.

The above bit of info is important, since providing a history (real or imagined) for any structure will help you understand the when, the why, and the wherefore of its being. Armed with that information, you can realistically locate it in a time and place. This then helps you provide the necessary details that will breathe life into your modeled reality.

For instance, assuming it was originally built as a powerhouse, it would have needed fuel to operate the turbines. So, it would have either had a spur to drop off coal or been located by a waterway. Depending upon the era you’re modeling, it could be a small local power plant, an electric substation, or perhaps converted into some type of factory. I chose to present it as a small, previously coal-fired power plant that was converted into a substation, but the choice is yours!

This easy to build laser cut kit features interlocking walls, basswood doors, and peel and stick windows.  The mounting board main roof is covered with included gravel, while 3M sticky back tarpaper strips cover the cupola roof. The office and garage roofs use 3M sticky back corrugation over mounting board. The complete photographically illustrated instructions are a primer on kit construction geared to the beginner.

Footprint: 8” x 7.5”

This is a Limited Edition kit.