So I'd like to put this out there to see what kinda ideas come up for building up under the ends of the bridges.Here's a few pic links after I put down the base, where you see the bridges is where they have to line up, any input as to how you's might build up under the 2 inner ends of the bridges, something really cool? You's can see where the tunnel will be behind they will definately have wooden portals and retaining walls. the aim
main new level
left bridge , longer than right
right bridge
Lynn
Present Layout progress
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/p/290127/3372174.aspx#3372174
Typically, the bridge piers I see are built into slopes and the earth slopes on either side of the piers and in front of them. Depending on what is being bridged, it might be necessary to hold back those slopes in which case wing retaining walls would be used on either side of the piers. It appears in your photos that the bridge extends from one rock ledge to another in which case the terrain surrounding the bridge piers could be more vertical without the need for wing walls to hold back the earth. You might want to put a little rock debris at the base of the rock ledges. I believe that is called talus. Woodland Scenics sells it in various sizes or you could make your own from bits of plaster.
Thanks , very good call , each bridge end North end on the left and east end on the right bright are both going to have to be on a slope. I think its more the inner ends of each bridge that is my concern , I'm thinking maybe just build the ground work out toward the ends of the bridge then maybe use wooden or brick supports.
If your bridge is on a slope of any kind including listing to either side or any twist from end to end; make sure that your pilings or piers (Whatever kind of supports you use) answer to gravity straight up and down. Dont make the mistake of having the piers or supports slope and look like they are about to fall downhill taking the bridge with it. It make take some fiddling at the top of the supports to level or cut to fit the bridge decking angle above.
As long your bridges are doing you a service, getting over something that is in the way, you should not worry too much about the ends. Fill em in any way you can.
I really like the idea of the two bridges and tunnels, but the portals will be too small for hand access to any derailed train. Is the tunnel covered by a lift-off access? Others have already mentioned that the portal should be vertical with angled retaining walls. Good work! Bob Hahn
Thanks guys , I will be making sure the bridges are sitting properly and no the short tunnel will not be easily assessible, I will be making the portals removable and hopefully if I ever get a derail which I really can't say I have as the lower track in the tunnel has been well tested over a period of a couple yrs, I will have to squirm my way in to rescue. I'm also thinking of making a cut in the front portion of the hill and back filling it so that it will be able to be pulled away.
I spent all day yesterday laying down the ground goop and building up the scenery, before hand I tested the fit of the bridges and retested. Tonite I'm starting on the portal for the left side the right side has already been fitted in place.
I've been working on the new hill and tunnel between shifts. I got a couple retaining walls built along with portals , both in place now. I used quite a bit of ground goop under the ground fall and will need to plant some trees and start building the hill upward for the 3 different buildings. I hope to get the rail put into place and bridges put in permantly. I ended up building abutments with brick walls.
Ok bridges are now in , tracks been ballast'ed , trains running again.I did cut a hole into the side of the hill for any misshaps in the tunnel..
And a couple videos.
http://img531.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mvi0407gm2.flvhttp://img531.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mvi0406ti7.flvhttp://img531.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mvi0404tq6.flv