I am planning a short elevated line for my layout but fear the task of building long elevated support structure from scratch. I have read the Bronsky articles from past issues. Is there any supplier that offers ready made box girders and trusses out there that could reduce the labor involved in this project?
Rix has a line of elevated highway components that might be modifiable for an elevated railroad line. I thought they made them specifically for elevated rail lines as well but I can’t find them on the website. If it wasn’t Rix, I’m sure somebody made this at one time not too long ago.
Micro Engineering makes a great line of bridges, structural pieces for an elevated urban subway system and piers. They are not cheap however and incredibly, they don’t have a website. But Walthers shows some samples on their website. Good luck!
[:)]
[#ditto] The Micro Engineering ones aren’t cheap but they do look good.
Here’s a link to the Walthers page for one of them.
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/255-75512
Bryan
I know this is a very old thread, but Walthers is expecting this product soon.
150’ Double Track
Walthers Part # 255-75512, p. 552 Walthers 2010 HO Scale Reference
HO scale, $61.55, not currently in stock at Walthers, Expected: 09-May-2010
Walthers Part # 210-19025 Bridge girder sections. This consist of truss chord components that can be used to make trusses, or columns etc.
Pretty good ‘foobie’ modeling of typical New York (specifically, Bronx) elevated rapid transit structure can be built using Atlas girder bridge components. The inner structure, buried as it is under the deck and behind the outer girders, can be modeled using flat styrene of appropriate size, painted black-and-rust. Only the visible girder surfaces need any degree of detailing.
If you want to model a prototype that used open trusswork where the old IRT used plate girders, be aware that there needs to be a truss directly under each rail - four to six depending on which line you model. Unless you find a way to mass-produce your own, that can get pricey in a hurry!
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with deck girders on masonry piers)
Thanks guys.
I am only evaluating whether or not I want to do it. I already have a subway and think off and on that something elevated might be neat as well.
I appreciate the input.
Dave
I was speaking with a gentlemen from Micro Engineering a few months back inquiring about bridge shoes and while we were talking he asked what ME bridges I had built and how did I like them etc. Well I asked him he thought it possible to kt bash their 210’ tall steel viaduct into a double track version. He told me if I could wait a little while they were coming out with exactly that. I can’t recall all the details but he said it was actually pretty simple and they used all existing ME components so all they had to do was package it up for sale.Now that would make one impressive looking bridge.
Central Valley also offers some bridge parts, including girders and lattice-work structural members.
I used their structural members on this coal dealer’s facility:
Wayne
You should not fear this task. It might take longer than you want but it is worth it. I am presently building an elevated line modeled after the “L” in chicago. Because this will be on a show layout i needed it sturdy so i am scrstch building it. In the end it will be more sturdy than anything on the market and i will be happy with the looks.
Someone is making laser cut wood ones now also, very impressive.
Image That Laser Art
Well, not exactly correct. Their website is: http://microengineering.com/index.htm Unfortunately, no pictures of their products.