Hey guys
Here is a little article on the bascule bridge I built on the layout. It’s the only (nearly) finished module of the new section of the layout though I hope that won’t still be the case after this winter. 
As a quick side note, while most of you know me as an EL modeler, I am primarily a B&O modeler and this is the primary road on the layout. I don't run the 2 roads together. Once a year, I swap out all of the equipment and have a "season" of the EL. The great thing is that both roads operate in similar terrain so, other than the signal system, the transition is seamless.
When looking through prototype pics and trying to decide what things (elements) I wanted to include in the new modules, I found a picture of the Hackensack River bascule bridge in NJ. This being a visual hobby, I liked the low distance from the railhead to the water line (allows you to see the train and water/scenery at the same time), as well as the pointed cement piers and the open girder decking leading up to the bridge (almost makes for 2 types of bridges in one). All very interesting and unique. Here is a little parts list and photo essay that will tell the story of how it was built. Will field questions as they come up.....
Parts list:
- (2) Atlas Pratt Truss double track bridges. The second bridge is necessary for parts to create the tower
- Girder Plates from Scenic Express (for the decking)
- Atlas track
- Finished poplar boards from Lowes (for the bridge piers)
- Envirotex light from AC Moore to create the water
- Dowels from AC Moore to create the pilings
- Scenery from Scenic Express
- Background from Backdrop Warehouse
- Bridge shoes from Scenic Express
- Hot glue gun to assemble the tower
- Foam board for the concrete counter weight
Ok here is the Prototype from Morning Sun Books Erie Lackawanna v3
Here is the start to finish....8 feet of length with a slight bend on the short side. About 4 feet in width at its widest point. Sadly not enough
room for a long run-up on the open girder decking but I had to settle with the space I had available. Plastered and sanded the wood smooth. Filled all cracks and screw holes prepping for paint and resin. Created the bridge piers in correct width to match the photos. Painted and weathered everything...including the bridge prior to installation, installed backdrop, installed bridge prior to resin. Poured resin, installed scenery, built bascule tower from photos and spare bridge pieces (thanks Danny Bigda!). I still need to install the bridge tenders shack and lights but I am 95% there at this point. The bridge is the focal point of the room as you enter the main area of the layout and serves as the transition from the city area to the mountains.
