What issue needed for Walthers Bascule Bridge review?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Blowing off the dust…Need to know of any hints or upgrades…Thanks

2

The Walthers working bascule bridge was reviewed in Model Railroader for March of 1999, page 16, and yes the review provides some practical hints not covered in the instructions.

I hope this helps. the review said it is quite a challenge to make the bridge work.

Dave Nelson

3

I bought this bridge at a train show already assembled by a guy who wanted to unload it because he smeared glue all over it while assembling it. He must have been a good mechanic though because it works pretty smoothly. I was at a loss as to how to set it up until I saw a similar bridge on display at the B&O Museum in Baltimore. I sprayed the structure with flat black paint and put on a light rust weathering and that took care of the smearing problem. It fits best on a large layout with lots of room for it. Mine spans a canal three feet wide. You can see how it looks by going to www.fsmrrc.org, click on photo gallery, click on Jim Valle’s basement layout and then click on the relevant thumbnails. Enjoy!

4

Thanks for the info - Now, what Walther’s or manufactured bride track should I use"83"? also is there a 12v upgrade for the motor? and is there a better “up/down” switch arrangement? PLUS…I have the swing-bridge - Is the motor recommended enough and again what bridge track? Many Thanks - AT the stage in life where I can start working on a dream too long on the shelve[Y]

5

That bascule bridge reminds me so much of the one in Chicago that sits in an upright locked position at 16th Street ever since the demise of B.O.C.T.

I bought the bridge new on eBay about 3 or 4 years ago, but I have not even opened the plastic wrap around the box because I have nowhere on my layout to put it. Maybe this winter I can find a spot for it.

Rich

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Thanks for the info - What would be the best pre-made 83 bridge track - Walthers or micro? Is there an upgrade to the motor and switch? I also have the swing bridge…Same questions…Thanks again, Chris

7

Back when these bridges were available and affordable, I was sore tempted to get one. As with Rich, I have no “official” place for one; but I’ve thought them so interesting for so long that I nearly got one anyway. Congrats on your purchase!

Ed

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Count me in the “Should of” crowd. I balked about the $150 price tag I saw a couple years ago, and recently have located a couple on ebay, …for $400ea (OUCH). I still have hopes of finding one someone started and gave up on for some sort of reasonable price. Best advice is applicable for any kit, understand the directions, test fit, glue sparingly, and don’t rush.

9

To think, when Walthers was still selling it, the MSRP was $79.98 before any discounts or sale prices.

I looked up my receipt and saw that I paid an eBay seller $145 for a NIB one in February 2007.

One guy on eBay is currently asking $599.95.

Too bad Walthers doesn’t reissue the bascule bridge like it has done with some other items.

Rich

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Got mine at a hobby shop this spring for between $50-$80. A guy was selling his through the hobby shop and all the could fing was an very old listing. I walked away a very happy man

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I reserved mine as soon as Walther’s had it out…Back when I got married and bought a house with a BIG basement…at the point now where I can start dusting off what the Mrs. calls my hobby shop full of boxes and her retirement…Chris

12

I forgot all about this thread when I started building the Walthers Bascule Bridge earlier this month.

I would like to get my hands on that MRR issue.

Check out my thread on the Layouts and Layout Building Forum.

http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/t/186830.aspx

Rich