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How did Bob Murphy build his Quinebaug River Bridge?

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  • Member since
    November 2007
  • From: Columbus, OH
  • 122 posts
How did Bob Murphy build his Quinebaug River Bridge?
Posted by NSColsMP6 on Sunday, November 30, 2014 1:49 AM

Prototype research has led me to an interest in deck box girder bridges for my layout.  The one in Trackside Photos on p. 88 of the Jan. 2015 MR matches what I'm looking for perfectly.  Is it a kit? Kitbashed? I'd love to know more.

Searching the HO Walther's website gives me a few European designs (not the look I'm after) as well as an Atlas bridge that would require some chopping. Similar results for N scale. 

- Mark (NS Columbus, MP 6)
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Sunday, November 30, 2014 3:26 AM

Why not ask MR directly? I'm sure they can contact the author and, with his permission, they might actually be able to put you in touch with him.

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    December 2011
  • From: Northern Minnesota
  • 2,774 posts
Posted by NP2626 on Sunday, November 30, 2014 4:42 AM

I have a two similar bridges on my layout, mine are Atlas Deck Truss bridges.  One is exactly as purchased and the other has been "Kit Bashed" into a longer span by snipping off the end diagonal pieces and joining to a second length of the same Deck Truss bridge.  Closely examining the photo on page 88 of the referenced issue of MR would lead me to believe that Mr. Murphy did the exact same thing with his bridge, using the Atlas Deck Truss kits, as I can see the splices between the kits, above the concrete piers.

NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"

Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association:  http://www.nprha.org/

  • Member since
    November 2002
  • From: US
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Posted by wp8thsub on Sunday, November 30, 2014 3:29 PM

Those are almost certainly Atlas deck truss bridges with the angled end portions cut off.  See http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Atlas-HO-Code-83-Deck-Truss-Bridge-Kit-p/atl-591.htm .

Rob Spangler

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Southwest US
  • 12,914 posts
Posted by tomikawaTT on Thursday, December 4, 2014 5:01 AM

Very nice modeling, both bridge and river.  I, too, recognize the Atlas lineage in the trusses.

To the OP - a deck GIRDER bridge has a solid sheet of steel, reinforced with angle braces, where the illustrated model has that open lattice.  To a civil engineer, there is a difference.

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with lots of oxide red deck girders)

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, December 4, 2014 8:25 AM

I'll ask the photographer.  We are in the same model railroad club.  I would agree though that it appears to be parts from the atlas deck truss kit.  The deck on the bridge may be from a source other than atlas. Ill either post here or PM the op with the answer.

  • Member since
    November 2007
  • From: Columbus, OH
  • 122 posts
Posted by NSColsMP6 on Thursday, December 4, 2014 9:38 AM
>a deck GIRDER bridge has a solid sheet of steel, Yeah, I meant to say deck truss. I know the difference. :) Most of the bridges I've seen in the area modeled are deck girder bridges or even ballasted through girder bridges... that's why I'd like a deck truss bridge on my layout. Just adds some nice variety.
- Mark (NS Columbus, MP 6)
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, December 5, 2014 4:24 PM

As guessed by everyone, those are indeed Atlas Deck girder bridge sections with the sloped ends cut off.  The deck on it is Central Valley bridge ties sets.

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