Catch the Subway

One distinguishing feature of Petersham Station is the pedestrian subway that connects Trafalgar and Terminus streets. It was built in1892 and originally had access to the platforms. The access to the platforms was closed after 1988 1. However, the subway still exists today to connect both streets.

Here is a photo of my completed model subway with a view towards "Petersham" Station. I have modelled this as it was before electrification took place. In the background is a 35 class loco waiting at the station.







Above: Photo of the prototype subway and Petersham station c1920 in which the completed model was based 2.

Construction techniques

Construction of the subway was based on the similar technique used for the Crystal St bridge which was described in a previous blog post, wood and readymade plaster cladded with Slaters weathered brick styrene. Since I had limited space, I did not used the measurements in the prototype but made the size to fit the space I had on the layout.

I used Faller Stairs and railing kit to complete the stairs. A mock hole is made to simulate the underground tunnel to reach the centre platform and exit at Terminus St.

Above: WIP of subway entrance

Subway Entrance today
During one of my fieldtrips to Petersham I was able to see the entrance of the subway which still has the brown bricks but is now surrounded by more trees and shrubbery. There is also a screen placed between the wall and the tracks so it is not possible to see the station from the subway entrance.

I believe the underground tunnel is covered in graffiti.

1. Petersham Railway Station Group NSW Environment & Heritage
2.  http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/10795197?q=petersham+station&c=picture&versionId=12603163