Bumpers

[FJ and G]

Bumpers

I went out and shot several types of prototype bumpers and scratchbuilt some based on the 1:1

This is a typical bumper. I made mine from bent 027 rails soldered to the track. Notice that I coated the tops of the rails near the bumper with rust, since rolling stock seldom move right to the bumper






Ties occasionally are used as bumpers as well as this latch on do-hickey.

The do-hickey I scratchbuilt from the edges of 027 tin ties and bent them into shape and soldered them to the rail. Unfortunately, it looks like I've got them on backwards compared to the one in the photo. Perhaps there's a real-world backwards one, however, that could give me solace for my mistake.






If mounds of dirt are high enough, they can serve as bumpers for both 1:1 and for 1:48







Lastly, bumpers don't stop BB the beagle from chasing the rabbits, seen here in fast pursuit of a hot bunny.

[Anonymous]

David, the reason the "do-hickey" is backwards is because it is used as a wheel stop. Like a chock(?) for a truck tire. The round part of it probably mates pretty nice with the wheel of the train.

[FJ and G]

Thanks, PL,

As an added safeguard they also used ties.

I forgot to mention that there are 5 tracks that actuall protrude to the edge of the fascia on my layout. For these, instead of bumpers, I will use the tried-and-true method, namely placing clear acrylic in front of the tracks. Now I only have to figure out a way to put it on the fascia in a holder that can be removed, since the tracks at the edge of the fascia will extend to special take-down loops of track on removable tables (so I can make my point-to-point layout continuous but then clear off the loops for hallway accessibility).

[1688torpedo]

Dave, You did a nice job on those Bumpers as they look very realistic.You are one very talented Model Railroader. If I ever get a layout, Most likely I would buy my own Bumpers to use on the Track.[:)].....................Keith

[Anonymous]

David: Nice work with the bumpers, I bet HighrailinJon has good pictures of his bumper collection[;)]. Regards Steve

[csxt30]

YES ! Very nice job on those bumpers, Dave!! Funny thing with me, every time I see bumpers, I think of all the cars & cabooses the train crews derailed by throwing the cars in there to hard. It really creates a mess with tangled break rigging & wheels go crosslots & all. Not a bad job with a crane or wrecker, but sometimes they don't call them & so it's a lot of work the other way. plus, I still like those lighted Lionel bumpers!! [:D] Thanks, John

[underworld]

Nice work Dave! One of my favorite style bumpers is ties stacked up and backed with a mound of dirt or ties stacked up and built in to a square and then filled with dirt.

underworld

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