Hellgate for O gauge?

I have not, but dual "O" tracks in an original or LCT reproduction seems it would be very tight and may have clearance issues.  Why not check out Lionel's modern reissue from about 10 years ago or so that was redesigned to fit two "O" gauge tracks comfortably?

I had started my layout with 2 tracks through the newer version that was advertised as being able to hold the double lines of track. The problem isn't so much the the closeness of the two lines going through the bridge (3.5" on center) but how you would then turn one line away from the other without being in danger of crashes. I run some bigger prewar freight and passenger cars and the only way I could accomplish it would be to have the turn start with 72" diameter turn, and then that caused problems with the placement of the bridge over an already built water feature. So I gave up and found another route over the river for that inside track.

i do like the bridge though, and these newer ones light up quite nice, not too bright, and the glow tapers off to almost give an elongated feel to the towers.

Hope that helps.

Tim

On our Tinplate Trackers modules we use one of the older Lionel repros as seen in this video. Only time we have problems is when someone wants to run double stacks, they hit the curved top.

Steve

I use the MTH O scale **** Gate bridge on my layout and in order to get the scale high cubes and intermodal cars through I had to remove the arches from the towers and take the inner set of girders out of the upper bridge span. I really like having on the layout, adds a good focal point

Easements.

I need to check but the hellgate I have does support two rails. I just don't remember if it's a Lionel or MTH. I bought it about 15 years ago new and it was specially advertised as being able to hold two O gauge tracks

Lionel Hellgate 305:

Lionel Hellgate 305 (in winter):

There is a Lionel 305 Bridge for sale on the Forum.

https://ogrforum.com/t...wered-380-00-shipped

In 1999 Lionel produced a 305 Hellgate Bridge which was a little wider, 1-14", a little longer, 1-3/4" and a little taller, 1/4" than the 1928 original. It also had lighted towers.  The idea was to take the 1928 standard Gauge design and modify it for 2 train O gauge operation on tubular track.  It was also designed to pass through TMCC signals without interference.  The 305 succeeded on both levels. The one thing that Paul Condeelis, the head of the project at Lionel,  could not anticipate in 1998-1999 was the development of Fastrack.

We wrote about the development of the 305 in the Collector's Gallery in the December 2013 issue of O Gauge Railroading  and the backstory is fascinating.

Rich Melvin even found a way to shoe-horn two FasTrack lines in the bridge while we were photographing it for Collector's Gallery. Read the article for more details, I think you will enjoy it. Yet another reason to subscribe!

pd, great to see how you were using the 305, and the LCCA tinplate set looks just right in that setting.

Ed Boyle

Bridgeboss.com offers several sizes that may work for you both in lengths, 24, 38 and 48,  and many widths. They are all painted in your choice of colors along with lighted towers.

thanks,

jim r

Thanks everyone.

I have thought about the 305, but I already have a 300 and wanted to put it to good use.  I'll probably give it a try with the 300, if it gives me problems...I'll try someting else.  Lets keep it interesting!!

Make a throat with your track work. The 2 lines narrow to 1 line by use of 2 switches. There is circuitry to stop and start trains so they do not crash on the single track. Add some lights and you end up with a whole lot of interest.

Are you saying you are running Flyer up close and O gauge in the background?

That would be the opposite of forced perspective. Smaller in the back to give the illusion of depth.