Trestles Anyone?

[envfocus]

I'm designing my first layout and got sidetracked making my own trestle.  My 3-rail pre-war layout thus far calls for two bridges (one 25 inch and one 30 inch span).  I decided to see if I could build a simple and inexpensive bridge.  I'm not interested in making it prototypical, but I do want it to be conversational.  My guidelines were (1) no special tools required to build it, (2) spend less than $20 in materials, and (3) be able to buy everything locally.  My initial product is shown below and cost less than $14 in materials.  I purchased everything from our local Walmart and Home Depot.  I'm interested in hearing (and seeing) what others have done for bridging their gaps!  Anyway, the two pictures below show my 25" bridge holding my largest and heaviest engine (prewar Lionel 256).  I plan on staining my final version walnut or a similar darker stain.  My neatest find were brass collared nails that I used to attach the interior trusses to the spanning one.  They aren't prototypical, but they do help make the bridge more unique. I found them when I went down the wrong aisle in Home Depot.  They are used to hang pictures and the brass collars lets you remove them from the wall without using the claw on your hammer.  Anyway, I had fun thus far and love to hear what others have come up with.

 

[jefelectric]

Very nice work.  I like your design for use on a prewar layout.  Seems to fit the feel of the prewar era.  That is one nice 256, I don't own any prewar, but love to see it.

I forgot to ask, how large will be layout be?

[envfocus]

Thanks jefelectric.  I'm quite proud of my 256.  I'll probably be posting my layout pretty soon to get comments, but its going to be a floor model with dimensions around 13 x 13.  I'm trying to convert half of my space above my one-stall garage.  The roof line is steeply angled, so I need to keep it on the floor to realize the space.  Also, since four of my five prewar engines either have no or manual reverse, my layout needs to be continuous with reversing loops rather than turnouts.  At least that's what I've got so far.  Thanks again for the kind words........Roger (envfocus)

[csxt30]

That bridge sure came out nice !! Here's a picture of  a bridge I made out of the plastic stuff that they use for new window frames now days. Just had to find a way to get the train across there somehow. I may later add thin balsa to the sides & upright thin pieces & paint it all black like a girder bridge. It works, & is great for a quick bridge !!   

Thanks, John

[FJ and G]

Thanks guys for sharing your photos and ideas; this is my favorite aspect of forum.  I have a an idea but first, as many of you know, I've built a variety of bridges out of a variety of materials for my outdoor "lionel-type" toy trains.

This is copper plumbing pipe smashed flat with sledge and HO rails added:





this is metal rain gutter material with HO rails and a box-frame stop sign post in the center for strength. I used a table saw to cut the large piece of material I purchased for about $7



There are other materials I've used but here's my next project. I was disappointed at the rapid rise in price of aluminum angle iron over the last few years and am nearly ready to construct a very elaborate metal span that will be about 30 or so feet long, with metal supporting towers.

Since I've had success cutting this metal rain gutter material, I think I'll cut my own custom pieces using my new bandsaw with metal cutting blade. It is much more controllable than the table saw! I don't have welding equipment (which is the ideal way to build a metal bridge, using steel), so I will drill and bolt it all together. Yes, a bit labor intensive, but it's a hobby so it's fun for me.

Appreciate sharing comments.

[envfocus]

FJ and G:  Your idea of smashing a copper pipe is fantastic!  Talk about thinking outside the box.  Please keep us informed on the major bridge project.  Luckily, my layout is indoors which I'm sure makes things much easier.

csxt30:  I'm bummed.  I was just working on a Habitat for Humanity house here in Hudson, WI and I must have unpacked at least 5 windows with those plastic sleeves and never thought of using it for my trains.  Thanks for sharing.......Roger