I want to put a bridge similar to this (though not as tall) on my layout. I am wondering if anyone knows what those tall bridge piers are made of. Is that supposed to be concrete, or some other material? All the photos I have it is hard to tell.
Thanks,
Scott
Hi,
I think John was trying to simulate concrete and I beleive the tall foots were made of wood.
I never seen in reality so tall piers in concrete for train running in the steam erea like the GD.
Today they are common especialy here in Europe but don’t know in USA.
If I have such a bridge to model in this time erea I would use steel towers like the ones provided by Micro Engenering including the deck bridges.
Marc
Marc,
Thanks for confirming for me. Yes, these are quite tall and my bridge will be maybe half of that, but I still like the overall look.
Scott
Scott,
I built 3 tall piers for my HO layout using 1x4 lumber which I cut tapered sides on and then covered them with an embossed plastic sheet representing a cut stone. You could do the same but finish as concrete or stone. I think the G&D used both concrete and stone bridges. John Allen was great at building scenery and details that make many of us want to recreate his designs and talents.
Bob
Marc commented that tall footings are common in Europe and I’m sure he is correct about that. They may not have been as common in the US. It would have been a matter of economics.
If the cost of building tall footings was less than the cost of bridgework, tall footings would be used. In some cases, tall footings were more expensive than using taller bridgework. Simple economics.
In modeling, costs are minimal either way you go. Do what looks good to you.