I have a 27" straight section that I want to build a bridge for. The Atlas layout that I’m building (Rancocas Harbor Belt) calls for a combination of plate girder, warren truss and deck truss bridges, but I don’t like the look of that. I was thinking a scratch-built wooden trestle-style and I only have 4" of height to deal with, but have no idea where to get templates or pictures of existing ones. Anybody have ideas? Thank you in advance for your input.
pitshop - Welcome to trains.com! [C):-)]
Gidday, Don’t have a copy but I see our hosts have in their shop a book titled “Bridges and Trestles”, if its anything like the ones I do have, it should be helpful.
This is from the “Search our Community” half way down the advertisements on the right.
Not a plan but perhaps some inspiration;
http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/t/204014.aspx?PageIndex=1
Cheers, The Bear.
try a google search on “wood trestle ho scale” turns up kits, ebay items etc.
also
Black Bear Const. Co. has nice illustrations of their bridge kits plus jigs for constructing
This is a very good question…I myself would like to find detailed plans for a Pennsy style thru truss girder? bridge.
You might take a look at http://www.phlf.org/downloads/education/Edu_WabashBridgeDesign.pdf
In it’s 69 pages the authors cover almost every type of bridge, most illustrated with profile views and on site pictures. One of these is a Penn. style truss bridge. There is one slide with web site references.
There is also a “pocket” version of bridge types at: http://www.iowadot.gov/historicbridges/construction.asp
A simple Google search using the phrase “Railroad Bridges” turns up links to hundreds of pictures.
While I know that timber trestle is almost a knee-jerk reaction for a model bridge, have you considered what your prototype (assuming you are following one, even if only at a considerable distance) and modeling era would call for. Many modern bridges, while superficially resembling the wood trestles of yore, are actually built of pre-stressed concrete. My own prototype, faced with a similar situation, would have built masonry piers and topped them with steel deck girders - most likely painted oxide red (it’s a Japanese thing.)
As has been noted, there are literally thousands of photos of railroad bridges, ranging from oversize culverts to the monster that spans the Firth of Forth. I’m sure that you’ll probably find several that would fill your need.
If you absolutely, positively have to have a trestle, go to the Prototype Information forum and search Cowlitz, Chehalis and Cascade. Just disregard the lower 7/8ths of the photo…
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - on prototypical bridges)
CONCRETE TRESTLE BRIDGES
Cajon Wash above Devore, low trestle w concrete piers, 1951 Warbonnet 3Q 03 p.3
Concrete trestle NMRA Data Sheets D6b.3
concrete trestle bents, how to build in wood or…
Model Railroader Jan09. p.39
Levee- concrete flyover on a levee, modeling ModRRer Jan04 p.115
blending bents with bottom of harbor to prevent gap.
Model Railroader
HI;
For starters, go to Kalmbach’s library; there are two that come to mind. I have them both (upstqairs-I am too lazy to go an retrive them), but do try Kalmbach. I think you will be happy you did.
Rich
Thanks everybody for the info. You’ve given me a wealth of info! Now, to put a post in the DCC section…
Surprised no one has mentioned what I think should be in everyone’s library when it comes to bridges and trestles - Paul Mallery’s “Bridge And Trestle Handbook”.
It’s the first thing I reach for when contemplating a bridge. My copy is pretty dogeared by now (1976 updated/revised edition -. I’m sure there are even newer printings out there). But it’s about as thorough a discussion of how-to’s for every conceivable type of railroad bridge I’ve ever run across.
Google it and you’ll find a number of sources.