Truss bridge pictures ..For Buckeye

Here’s some pics of some truss bridges I built, I think Howe Truss if I remember right. These are not only for Buckeye but anyone who likes bridges…Tim

This one is a close up of the lift bridge with counterweights, that operates off a dc geared motor

When finished the wiring will be concealed. This bridge and the lift bridge connect my dogbone style layout and leave my view of the mountains intact.

Hope you enjoy !!!

Wow. Great job Tim.

Wow! Much better in close up. [tup][tup][tup][tup]

Tim,

That is truly a work of art.

I’d be interested to hear some details.

  1. Attached w/wood glue and countersunk screws?

  2. Type of motor? A friend of mine built a lift bridge using an aircraft motor (real aircraft)

  3. Did you use a jig? If you have a picture of the jig I’d be interested.

Your project has special meaning to me b/c I’m planning some really long trestlework; except mine will be cedar or redwood. I don’t think I can match your craftsmanship tho.

That’s an outstanding piece of work.

Reminds me I have three bridges to build. Personally, I would rather get a root canal.

Tim,

What an expression of talent and creativity. That is truely a work of precision art. Thanks for the time to take and post the picks. It gets my mind a going for those creative things.

FRANK53, just do it![tup]

I’m going to draw up the bridge plan and buy all the materials, then I am going to pack it all up and take it up to Cheif’s house. I’m going to keep him company while he’s building his benchwork. [:-^]

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I’m going to draw up the bridge plan and buy all the materials, then I am going to pack it all up and take it up to Cheif’s house. I’m going to keep him company while he’s building his benchwork. [:-^]
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Tim…Great job.
Frank53. When you finish it, take it home !!!
You will be at Chief’s for a loooong time.
Chuck

Frank, I’m going to be Frank. Go eat a bowl of rice. [;)] Looks like building keeps getting delayed. Off to MN [Big Boy’s] Nov 4 thru 6 for a Cabela’s Grand Opening. Had two full time guys quit the company and I’m helping fill in. Got a widow lady’s house to pressure wash, prime and paint this week. No time to fish or build. I’m suppose to be retired. [:0]

[Man, did they burn me on this one [xx(]]

Cheif:

If I eat any more rice, Ben Cartwright is going to be telling me to fetch him coffee.

PE,
NICE LOOKS GREAT!!!
laz57

Impressive

Thanks for all the compliments guys. These were really easy to build, provided you have a few tools.
The bridges are built of cedar, clear heart, and have 2 coats of danish oil on them. I built a jig on the shop table and built each side serarately , fasened with wood glue and small brads at each joint. Then joined the sides together. I did’nt use any plans , I just proportioned them as to what I thought looked right. I ripped all the cedar on the table saw with a 100 tooth blade, so hardly any sanding was needed. Each angled side piece is the same length and I cut them with a fine tooth hacksaw in a little jig (miniature miter box)
The rods are 3/16 brass from any good hardware store, threaded with a die and have small brass nuts holding them on. Yes the brass rods are functional not decorations.
The lift bridge motor is a small geared dc motor tha I bought on ebay from “DC Geared Motors” . I have purchased several from him and they work great, with a lot of tourque.
I also have one of the motors operating my turntable

Thanks, Tim,

A couple days ago I purchased cedar planks from Lowe’s. They’re a bit pricey but the wood is really nice and lasts a long time. I also picked up some Thompson water sealer with some honey-color pigment in it, as the trestle I’m planning will be for outside.

Thanks for inspiration.