Concrete, multiple arch bridge photos; In-ko-pah RR

[Ray Dunakin]

I've uploaded five new photos, beginning with this one:

http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=3009006&a=32116967&p=75535215

The first photo shows the completed center section of the mountains at the rear of the layout. Note the veins of different colored rock.

The second photo shows the wooden form I built to make my concrete bridge. It was built upside down, and the concrete was poured into the "legs" of the bridge. The form was held together with sheetmetal screws and a few clamps. Because the bridge will be on a 4% grade, the legs had to be angled slightly off vertical.

The third photo shows the bridge after the form was removed.

The fourth photo shows the bridge after it was placed into position on the layout, but before it was fully cemented in place. The bridge was designed so that there would be a shallow channel in the top of the bridge, into which the track would be laid. This channel is wide enough to allow some shifting of the track due to heat expansion, and also provides some leeway in positioning the bridge. It took two people to move the bridge -- I'd estimate it wieghs between 250 and 300 pounds. It cracked a bit when we lifted it up over the retaining wall, but nothing serious.

The last photo shows the bridge after some of the rocks were cemented in around it. There will be a stone pathway directly behind the bridge. The path has not yet been finished. The rest of the canyon is also unfinished in this photo.

To the left of the concrete bridge there will eventually be a through truss bridge. A wooden plank fills in as a temporary bridge until the truss bridge can be built.

[rpc7271]

Looks great! Maybe a little earthquake damage at one point but that gives it character. Makes me want to build one for my layout.

[jhsimpson62]

Fantastic! The wooden form must have been a challenge, I can't imagine dreaming up something like that. Keep at it. Look forward to future progress reports. Jack

[Anonymous]

WOW you got a job here waiting just incase you get fired from there!