Bridges - Let's See Them - I Need Some Ideas

Sorry Joe, I don't think I meet any of your criteria.    

In fact, I'm not sure they are achievable.   There are plenty of "toy-like" bridges out there for cheap, but frankly, they look like it.  If you like the Atlas pratt truss, you should check around.  I think Hobby Express has one as do other hobby shops.  They also occasionally show on the secondary market.  Knowing that my bridge would be the centerpiece of the layout, I went for a great look.  I strongly recommend the quality work of Custom Model Railroads (http://www.trainlayouts.com/).

Ultimately Joe, you get what you pay for.

George

I like the Lionel lighted bridge with rock piers and the MTH arched bridges, especially the rust-colored one. I haven't seen the Menard's 30" lighted lift bridge in person, but it looks good.

This is the Lionel version with Santa FE signage (mine) and the rock piers painted, weathered and "turfed". Wiring for the light and the trackage is hidden in the rock piers.

you could make or modify your own! I made this from a Walthers HO bridge and some coffee stir sticks. ( I may have posted this before) JohnA

Joe, it would be helpful to have an understanding as to what you are looking for in a bridge. What is the prototype reason for the bridge - valley, river crossing, road crossing, in a town, etc.  What prototype materials do you want the bridge constructed of : steel, wood, stone, concrete.

Are you trying to buy something or are you willing to build?  Or you can buy some parts and build the rest.

Try looking up a Network Arch Railroad Bridge or Concrete Arch Railroad Bridge.  (Found some examples in HO scale but not in O.)  I am destined to build one or two of these on my layout to span a planned water feature. If you decide on a girder, I have built the girder sections out of laminated card stock with good results.  The type of bridge is somewhat based on the span length and elevation. One would not build a suspension bridge over a short span or where the bottom is close enough for piers. 

Also look for the Chenab Arch Bridge - reportedly the worlds highest railroad bridge as a prototype.

Enjoy

What I’ve always wanted, right down to the scale spikes and tie plates ☺️

75% of it is the scenery around the bridge

The “toylike” Atlas deck and fine scale equivalent.

Mt Elbert scale lumber is the best IMHO

@G3750 posted:

Sorry Joe, I don't think I meet any of your criteria.    

In fact, I'm not sure they are achievable.   I strongly recommend the quality work of Custom Model Railroads (http://www.trainlayouts.com/).

Ultimately Joe, you get what you pay for.

Or you can build it yourself, unless of course you can’t. 🤭😂

No-one that I know of builds what I need for hire, a “working miniature” … we got some egos on here about as big as our bridges! 🤣

@ScoutingDad posted:

Joe, it would be helpful to have an understanding as to what you are looking for in a bridge. What is the prototype reason for the bridge - valley, river crossing, road crossing, in a town, etc.  What prototype materials do you want the bridge constructed of : steel, wood, stone, concrete.

Are you trying to buy something or are you willing to build?  Or you can buy some parts and build the rest.

Try looking up a Network Arch Railroad Bridge or Concrete Arch Railroad Bridge.  (Found some examples in HO scale but not in O.)  I am destined to build one or two of these on my layout to span a planned water feature. If you decide on a girder, I have built the girder sections out of laminated card stock with good results.  The type of bridge is somewhat based on the span length and elevation. One would not build a suspension bridge over a short span or where the bottom is close enough for piers.

Also look for the Chenab Arch Bridge - reportedly the worlds highest railroad bridge as a prototype.

Enjoy

I pretty much have a clean slate. See the photos below. The area I'm considering is in the foreground. I was leaning toward the bridges spanning a small ravine/road. I would prefer to buy something built or a bridge in kit form. I like the look of the steel truss type bridges.

I also have to watch the length. the upper track I have about 40" of straight track to play with. The lower track is probably closer to 30" I'm not opposed to using two different types of bridges either. It would add some variety.

@NJCJOE posted:

I pretty much have a clean slate. See the photos below. The area I'm considering is in the foreground. I was leaning toward the bridges spanning a small ravine/road. I would prefer to buy something built or a bridge in kit form. I like the look of the steel truss type bridges.

Did a quick concept illustration of the idea, floor to track scenery geology etc …

Erik,

That is sweet! Very cool.

Made my own

@G3750 posted:

Sorry Joe, I don't think I meet any of your criteria.    

In fact, I'm not sure they are achievable.   There are plenty of "toy-like" bridges out there for cheap, but frankly, they look like it.  If you like the Atlas pratt truss, you should check around.  I think Hobby Express has one as do other hobby shops.  They also occasionally show on the secondary market.  Knowing that my bridge would be the centerpiece of the layout, I went for a great look.  I strongly recommend the quality work of Custom Model Railroads (http://www.trainlayouts.com/).

Ultimately Joe, you get what you pay for.

George

Joe:

Totally agree. Just for clarification for others, you are referring to Forum Sponsor East Coast Enterprises - Rich Roman and Stan Wisniewski. They custom designed and built a 7 1/2', 2-track bridge for me that includes 2 PRR signals on each end, four red flashers on the top, a lit walkway, and two separate staircases. A real masterpiece.

Pat 

@ENichter posted:

Made my own

Outstanding Eric! Thanks for sharing 👍