how to build a trestle

[palallin]

The Atlas bridge is a nearly perfect replica of a two-span WARREN Truss bridge near Mengo, MO, on an old MoPac line:

http://www.bridgehunter.com/mo/butler/mengo/

It is a single track bridge, so, naturally, the double track version isn't quite right.  HOWEVER, the double track version still does a great job of carrying my trains over the duck-under on my layout.

[dougdagrump]

Here's a good link:

http://ontracktrestle.com/ .

[Buckeye Riveter]

When I worked on the Heartland Corridor for NS, we surveyed several interesting bridges.  When you compare an Atlas O Scale bridge to these you will find the model is not beefed up enough for a dual track bridge.  Notice the center truss in the photo below and compare it to the outside trusses.  That center truss is designed to hold two trains and the outside trusses, one train. (We can talk Cooper E-80 loading someother time.)

We were under the direct supervision of NS all the time and were permitted to go where you would be arrested for tresspassing.  

[runtime]

Buckeye Riveter

There have been three responses to the question and only one of them is refering to the correct type of bridge.  Dog and Lion, you are refering to truss bridges. 

This is a trestle.

Specifically, this is a trestle on the old Colorado and Southern Railroad narrow gauge, just north of Rico, CO.

If you want to build a model of one of these, there are some books on bridges for the HO modeler.  I think scenic express sells a kit to make a trestle, too.

And this is a caboose:

Nice caboose! must have been the prototype for my #801

 

runtime

[fifedog]

Buckeye is right.

In this case, go to the arts and crafts store and buy a handful of 1/4 wood strips, and build your own.  Or go a bit bigger and find an Aristo-craft trestle set (yeah it's G-scale, but the dimensions aren't exactly jumbo-humungo).

[Buckeye Riveter]

There have been three responses to the question and only one of them is refering to the correct type of bridge.  Dog and Lion, you are refering to truss bridges. 

This is a trestle.

Specifically, this is a trestle on the old Colorado and Southern Railroad narrow gauge, just north of Rico, CO.

If you want to build a model of one of these, there are some books on bridges for the HO modeler.  I think scenic express sells a kit to make a trestle, too.

And this is a caboose:

[Anonymous]

If you can afford the extra 8", go with Atlas' Pratt Truss bridge (either single or double track), they are 40" long, so putting two end on end would give you 80" span. You can then get the Atlas Pratt abutement kits from Scenery Express.

Atlas Double Pratt Bridge:
http://www.oakridgehobbies.com/model-railroading-railroad-diorama-miniatures/scale-buildings-trackside-structures/o-scale-buildings-trackside-structures/atlas-o-double-track-pratt-truss-bridge-kit-3-rail.html

Atlas Single Pratt Bridge:
http://www.oakridgehobbies.com/model-railroading-railroad-diorama-miniatures/scale-buildings-trackside-structures/o-scale-buildings-trackside-structures/atlas-o-scale-single-track-pratt-truss-bridge-kit-3-rail.html

Double Pratt Bridge components:
Abutements: http://www.sceneryexpress.com/prodinfo.asp?number=FL6311
Center Pier: http://www.sceneryexpress.com/prodinfo.asp?number=FL6310
Bridge Shoes: http://www.sceneryexpress.com/prodinfo.asp?number=FL6039

You can stack the Center Pier under another Center Pier or Abutement to make them taller - just join them with some adheasive.

I have yet to find a better built bridge than those put out by Atlas. I have the Double Pratt Truss and Double Through Plate Girder bridges and they look awesome end to end.

Double Through Plate Girder bridge
http://www.atlaso.com/oplategirderbridge.htm

Their deck girder bridge is awesome as well
http://www.atlaso.com/odeckgirderbridge.htm

[lionelsoni]

http://books.google.com/books?id=ENAhAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA1&dq=a+treatise+on+trestles&hl=en&ei=IMlBTMeFBNrmnQf07JXgDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=a%20treatise%20on%20trestles&f=false

 

[fifedog]

I recommend starting with a through truss kit like this one from Bachmann/Plasticville.  My example has 2 kits "spliced" together, and I like using Ross track bexause it accepts nails to shore everything up.  Make your own abutments, and cover with brick paper from Noch.

[ozzie1]

Anyone out there have a good resource on how to build a 15" high x 6' long trestle bridge? Thanks