I need to span 3 tracks with piping. I was thinking of using a bridge like this to do it.
While I could build it completely from scratch I was hoping to find some box girders already completed to use to make it easier. Is there a product like that out there?
I am also open to other solutions if anyone has ideas.
Rick
Hi Rick
Plastruct has various sizes available in ABS.
The black ABS is more rigid than the white styrene.
TF
That is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.
Do you know if those dimensions are for the entire truss or the struts and beams? Except for the length they seem rather small to be the entire truss.
Rick
Edit: I found this at the Plastruct website
What scale are you working in???
I’ve used the Walthers HO conveyor kits for some pipe runs:
If you’re looking for finer scale “look” they also offer a similar item in etched brass:
For a nice assortment of lattice girders, Central Valley is a good choice:
https://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/cvy/cvy19025.htm
Their stairs, railings and ladders are also a good “kitbashing” source.
I still need to continue the pipe through it but you get the idea:
IMG_5836_fix by Edmund, on Flickr
IMG_5862_fix by Edmund, on Flickr
I’ve never had good luck using Plastruct ABS. Especially when trying to cement it to styrene. Probably something I’m doing wrong.
IF you need pipe, the Walthers refinery piping kit is a handy starting place:
https://www.hobbylinc.com/walthers-refinery-pipingkit-ho-scale-model-railroad-building-accessor
Hi Rick
Like I was saying it’s sold in various sizes I just used the one for an example.
They have it in Black ABS, Gray- I don’t know what, and White styrene. Widths ranging from 1/8" up to 1".
For solvent I usually use Tamiya thin but When in Doubt I get orange label out.
Hasn’t failed me fusing any mismatched plastics yet.
TF
I had always used orange label on ABS with good results. About a year age I was working on something in ABS and had a senior moment and just used MEK. I realized my mistake after completing a few joints. They turned out fine also.
Rick
Some people just used the old BACHMANN signal bridge. They just don’t put the lights on it.
shane
That would be a great idea if I didn’t have that signal bridge about 18" from where the the pipe bridge will be. Thank you for mentioning it though because I want another and couldn’t remember the brand.
Rick
Rick,
If You read the cautions on back of Plastruct Plastic Weld Orange label, You will find that it contains MEK Methyl Ethyl Ketone.
Take Care![:D]
Frank
If the Bachmann signal bridge would be considered usable, then one might also consider the NJ International two track signal bridge. The support structure at each end consists of two parallel vertical beams instead if the tapered beams on the Bachmann model.
I was curious about how well the etched brass Walthers “conveyor” kit went together. It results in a nice looking accessory:
Pipe_Span-brass-2 by Edmund, on Flickr
In the background is the plastic Walthers conveyor kit which also makes into a nice pipe bridge.
I put conveyor in quotes since the finished bridge looks much more like a gangway or personnel access bridge than any conveyor.
Pipe_Span-brass-1 by Edmund, on Flickr
However it could certainly support piping, smaller pipe could be run in the cavity under the grating, larger pipe up top.
Pipe_Span-brass by Edmund, on Flickr
IF you’re modeling HO you might look at some of the N scale bridges available. I forget if this one is Faller or Kibri but I’m planning to use it in this area as a pipe span across the tracks here.
Pipe_Span by Edmund, on Flickr
Good Luck, Ed