Prototype Information About Old Vicksburg Bridge and Thebes Bridge

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

Hi there, I am trying to find blueprints, scale drawings, diagrams, of the Old Vicksburg Bridge in Vicksburg, MS and the Thebes Bridge in Thebes, IL. Even some good photos can help esspecially side views and such. I am going to use these as a base for a bridge for my model railroad, the Cascade Northern R.R. (www.cascadenorthernrr.webs.com) any information would be greatly appreciated!

2

Welcome to the forums. I just Googled both of those bridges. Plenty of pictures of each. Side views, arial views, etc.

I just looked at your web site, hoping I could see a track plan.

Mike.

3

I am sorry but I do not have a track plan yet I am waiting for the track planning guy to do it but I will certainly post it as soon as I get it from him

4

Here’s a link to Bridgehunter a website devoted to developing and maintaing a catalog of bridges (for the benefit of geeks about my height who like such stuff). This link goes to the Old Vicksburg Bridge. One you get on the site, you can click-click on various things to research others.

The US Army Corps of Engineers and US Coast Guard keep up-to-date information on all river crossings for navigational purposes and safety. With a little effort you can find links to them as well.

Good luck.

Robert

5

That’s a great site Robert, thanks

6

Thanks I have checked that site and many others also I have contacted several historical associations a few have gotten back to me but no help. I am still waiting for the others but thanks

7

If anyone has any prototype info on these bridges please let me know!

8

No photos, just an odd bit of data.

The east end of the Vicksburg Bridge is well below the top of the bluff, so the track almost immediately enters a short tunnel. The rails are on the south side, with the former road (now closed to all traffic) on the north. The road approach is on a hairy grade, and passes through what is now the Vicksburg Welcome Center. Your favorite satellite view should give you a good look.

Chuck (Former freeway flier)

9

I see very interesting.

10

Does anyone know of any publications featuring these bridges or who else I could contact to find the info I need? Also any suggestions on how I could scratch build it?

11

Here is a rough sketch of what I want the bridge to look like.

12

This is an important announcement! I have received an email from the owner of the Old Vicksburg Bridge (the Vicksburg Bridge Commision or something like that) and they will be considering releasing a set of plans to me they just need a bit more information from me so I thank you all for your help and if I get the plans I will be sure to let you all know!

13

This is another important announcement! The owners of the Old Vicksburg Bridge okayed me getting a set of plans!

14

I would like to let everyone know that Saturday (January 28th) was my birthday and that I got a tour of the Old Vicksburg Bridge by the Superintendent Herman Smith while a Union Pacific double stack intermodal well car/trailer on spine car train led by four GE locomotives (UP-ES44AC 8243, UP-ES44AC 7829, UP-ES44AC 5321, and UP-AC4400CW 7226) then while I was leaving another Kansas City Southern/Norfolk Southern double stack intermodal well car/trailer on spine car train led by three GE locomotives (KCS-ES44AC, NS-C40-9, NS-C44-9CW) both trains were eastbound. Well that concludes my visit to the Old Vicksburg Bridge!