As I build my first layout (HO 6' X12'), I end up purchasing things that I think I might be able to use, only to be stymied by an apparent lack of authenticity or how the product might be used in a complex layout. Such is the case with a set of 3" Bridge Piers. I can find no information on how best to use these nor an explanation as to the purpose of the 2 vertical slots in the top. Your advice is requested. Thanks.
Welcome to the forums.
Also, welcome to the ranks of the frustrated trying to figure out how to use the bridge piers (I also am a bit stymed by their pier girders).
I ahve found that the deck girder bridge fits the piers well. Other bridges will fit on them, but do not fill the slots.
Maybe someone else has had better luck figuring them out.
Have fun,
Knowledge gained:
I picked up a set of Atlas Pier Girders and now see how they work with the piers. I guess that the pier girders enable me to create any of several types of bridges (truss, plate girder, etc)
I have also discovered that the slots in the piers enable the use of the Atlas Deck Truss Bridge.
Unfortunately, I have also discovered that Atlas Super-Flex (Code 83) does NOT fit the pier girders - the ties are too long. Fortunately, I have on hand a few lengths of the original Atlas flex (gift from old stock of a relative), which does fit the pier girders.
Those piers are designed to be sued with Atlas bridges specifically as far as the long versicle ones go I can only guess expansion and contraction maybe? I also have a frustration when it comes to them as well. I have one scene on the layout where where there are 3 bridges crossing a gorge with a river at the bottom and 3 of those Atlas warn truss bridges with the piers fit perfectly , except I can't bring myself to sue something that look so train set like when I am working so hard to make it as realistic as possible. One night I am checking out a video of and MTH Hudson i believe or some other locomotive and I am watching the engine cross a nice looking bridge that turned out to be an Atlas through truss bridge and low and behold there are those ugly looking bridge piers and yes the slots re still in them.the layout builder didn't even use bridge abutments only those ugly piers. You would have thought MTH would have their stuff displayed on a better layout.
LOL but sad at the same time.
Yes I have these same Piers as well as a UP Plate Girder Bridge and a Warren Truss Bridge waiting to be installed.
However I was thinking, until I get this http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-3147 and this http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-3185 for Scene Two of my layout I am contempt enough to use the Atlas Gear until the Walthers stuff is ready.
After that the bridges will be relocated and the piers confined to a box
Love Rail, Watch Rail, Build (Model) Rail and work for Rail
Busy building my first layout which can be followed in my blog (Found in my profile)
Palpatine001 However I was thinking, until I get this http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-3147
However I was thinking, until I get this http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-3147
I made the mistake of using those awful Atlas piers (duh) Eventually I will cover them up using basswood, more to look like a retaining wall than a pier.
I have built that first Walthers bridge you linked to, its a nice kit, easy to assemble.
Good Luck!
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."-Albert Einstein
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