Fire guts former model train store

An out-of-business model train store on Sepulveda Boulevard was gutted by a fire Thursday night, authorities said.

Allied Model Trains at 4371 Sepulveda Blvd. was severely damaged by fire, which broke out sometime before 9:45 p.m. Sept. 3.

Battalion Chief Mike Nagy of the Culver City Fire Department told the media that the flames were visible from the front of the store when firefighters arrived at the scene.

The fire was contained within five minutes of arrival by firefighters, Nagy said.

The company that owned the store closed down July 7, declaring insolvency after being in business 69 years.

Cause of the fire was not unknown, pending an investigation.