Open Grate Bridges

[nbrodar]

Where I live, bridges with open grate steel roadways are still common. Any ideas what I can use in HO to model the see-through open grate roadway?

Nick Brodar

[MisterBeasley]

How about an old car radiator core? Probably comes pre-weathered, even.

Or that sharp-finned back plate of a dead air conditioner?

[Leon Silverman]

An open-grate bridge would have very fine holes in HO scale. Pet-proof screening might be the closest approximation. Alternately check a Walters' catalog for Walkways and screens used on diesel engines.

[Anonymous]

Olastruct and Evergreen both make sheets of check plate, the anti-slip pattern put on sheet steel. I don't know if they make any thing that is actually open. Running board walway material made of very thin metal is available, but I would think it would be expensive to deck a ridge with it.

[bogp40]

Start with ME or Central Valley girder and cross truss work, the screened deck may be simulated by trying fine brass screening or other material as others mention. You need to use care when painting or you could fill up the holes easily. Airbrushing w/ solvent based is best for this.
Bob K.

[jrbarney]

Nick,
I would suggest that you look at the latticework from Tichy Train Group. If that's too coarse, look at the offerings of Gold Medal Models, Model Memories or Alkem Scale Models to see if one of them has a photoetched product you can use. When the family car went over the open grate bridge on one of the approaches to Hornell, my wife's dog knew it meant a visit to the vet, and he would start shaking and whimpering. I believe that Bethlehem Steel was one manufacturer of that bridge grating.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543

[nbrodar]

Thanks for the info.
What about printing the grating a piece of clear styrene?

Nick