Blueprints Share Depot Architecture

A growing collection of new blueprints of Southern Pacific depots in California is now being developed by Jean-Guy Dube. Suitable for framing, these handsome and informative diazo blueprints are produced from measured and drafted drawings by Mr. Dube. They are based on Southern Pacific standard-depot plans, on historical photographs and, for those depots that have survived, on actual building measurements.

Each blueprint includes noted floor plans, sections, and elevations. The prints also contain historical notes about each building. Railroad model hobbyists will be pleased to learn that the drawings are in “HO” scale. Dube uses traditional methods of  blueprinting to create a blue-with-white line print from his original vellum.

The blueprints may be purchased through the South Coast Railroad Museum’s online store. More information about the series is also available there.

Jean-Guy Dube is a professional draftsman and apprentice architect who has been researching and writing about Southern Pacific depots since 1983. He will be sharing many of his blueprints and talk about his research during a free program on Tues., Jan. 22, 2013, entitled “Southern Pacific’s Depots of  Santa Barbara County.” The lecture and multimedia presentation will begin at 7 p.m. and will be held at Goleta Library, 500 N. Fairview Ave. The program is sponsored by the South Coast Railroad Museum.