As always really neat stuff guys. Really enjoy it!
This display is a project in progress. Please limit remarks to acclamation or suggestions for scenic details.
Details of bridges and supporting structures are well researched and documented. Scene is designed to depict a river crossing by a Front Range short line that replaced a trestle used by the preceding narrow gauge railroad. The east end was washed out by a flood during WWII and wartime restrictions dictated use of available materials rather than new construction. The plate girder bridge was used to span the new channel formed by the flood. It was salvaged from a class 1 road and the trestle approach repaired. A pile pier was used on the east end for speed and economy.
Bridge deck structures and trestle follow D&RGW standards. Guard rails are fully spiked as per D&RGW standards.
The cut on the west end is narrow by Standard gauge standards, but it was excavated by a narrow gauge railroad and with no demand for oversize clearances, it was never widened. Short lines are notable for their economics.
The display breaks down into two five foot modules after the through truss is removed. The modules and legs weight appox 50#.
The structure will support a 200# load without damage.
Project progress photos can be viewed on the Colorado o Scale Modelers web site: www.coloradooscale.org
Under construction are new end curve modules of 76” radius to allow smoother operation of larger equipment. The original curves are appox. 54” radius with easements. These were an experiment to test the lightweight (less than 20# per module) construction. After 10 years and over thirty public displays the design has proven itself.
Conceptual drawings