Not to go into too much detail but I need to order 10 of the Micro Engineering 85' deck girder panels for a span located on our club's layout. Basically, the panels are going to be affixed to the side of some 1'x1' aluminum tubing that is currently supporting the track at the location. Do any of you know if the panels listed above are able to be purchased seperately or do they only come in a kit for the full bridge?
Hobbylinc has what they list as a girder Pkg by ME (# MCE80180)but when looking at the photos and description, I am unclear as to exactly what you get. I could certainly go longer than the 85 ", if any are available. Also, I am not locked in to the ME panels, any such items from pretty much any brand would work if they are decent representations.
Also, I see that Central Valley sells packs of two 72' girder side panels (Central Valley # CVY1903) for regular girder bridges and except for the curved ends (which could be removed) look like they might work as well.
Thoughts?
Thanks Dan
Another option might be the Atlas through-girder bridges. I picked up several of them (used), at a now long-gone hobbyshop, for just a couple of bucks each.
I simply cut the sides from the deck, then removed the curved ends. One of them ended-up as an 89' turntable (didn't have enough room to make it a 90'er, while a couple of the other ones (also separated from their decks and curved ends removed) found use in a couple of bridges...
This one is a cut-down Atlas bridge, used as deck girders...
...as is this one, under locomotive 632...
...the span over the road is also from one of those Atlas bridges...
Those Atlas bridges have been around for ever, and while they might not be as detailed as more recent offerings, the price of "used" ones is usually very reasonable, and once they're painted and installed, they fit right in.
Wayne
Tichy makes some 40 footers you could lightly sand the ends and cement them along a straight edge for longer spans:
https://www.tichytraingroup.com/Shop/tabid/91/c/ho_details/p/8291-bridge-beams/Default.aspx
Good Luck, Ed
Per Microengineering catalog it is girders only:
http://www.microengineering.com/MicroEngineeringPriceListNovember2022.pdf
And if you look closely at the Hobbylinc offering it states they are currently unavailable.
Hello All,
reasearchhoundI need to order 10 of the Micro Engineering 85' deck girder panels for a span located on our club's layout. Basically, the panels are going to be affixed to the side of some 1'x1' aluminum tubing that is currently supporting the track at the location.
So...If I understand your query, you are looking for girder panels as a facade?
Most of the products you have been looking at have details on both sides that will have to be removed from one side to make them flush with the existing structure.
Not to mention the high cost per inch.
Have you considered fabricating/scratch-building them?
"Welded" panels would not necessitate the rivet detail along the entire span.
Panels made from styrene (available in black) can be easily cut and "L" shapes can be used to replicate the ribs, splice plates, and top caps.
If you require rivet details, Titchy Train Group offers many types of rivet plates in a variety of shapes.
Titchy Train Group Home>Shop>HO Scale>NBW&Rivets>Page 2, #8214, #8215, #8216 & #8230.
Keep us informed on your solution and as always...
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
jjdamnitHave you considered fabricating/scratch-building them? "Welded" panels would not necessitate the rivet detail along the entire span.
ME recently underwent change of ownership. They do manufacture in the US.
I like the DIY idea. If you live in a big town you should be able to buy 4x8' sheets of styrene. No idea what these cost these days, they used to be $25. Add some vertlical strips and a top rail and you are good to go.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Thanks for the replies guys. I liked the kit HobbyLinc listed but, as noted, they were unavailable - something that is frustratingly common these days. A day after posting I found pretty much what I needed as kits with two 85' bridges in each pck for $8 and change (Bob the Train Guy) which was a decent price.
I also would have been happy to go Atlas, or DIY it, but the kits I found will fill the bill nicely. I have a sander which will make quick work of any detailing on the glue side if that will actually be an issue - though I hope the construct adhesive itself will create enough of a cushion to eliminate that problem.