Ordered An O-Scale 2-Rail Single-Track Atlas Truss Bridge Today

Assembly is a bit time-consuming, but you'll like the results.

Hey Hal...I know your not looking to disturb the layout much, but what about using this new bridge to run across the entry aisle and make it either removable or a lift up for when you want to enter the pool table area in the middle. It would require you add a switch on each side to redirect the train over the bridge instead of rounding the corner, but it would be a nice alternate route for when you were in the mood. The bridge would become purposeful instead of just ornamental. Either way enjoy yourself.

Bob

I'm sorry Bob, but that I cannot do.

The layout as it exists was painstakingly concieved by me and will not be disturbed in its routing.

By NOT crossing the entry aisle with the bridge, I DON'T have to make it liftable or removable, and by NOT installing switches on either end, I DON'T have to alter the track routing from the way I have it and like it!

I don't care if the bridge is superfluous and crosses nothing...that's simply the way I want it! 

Thank you for your suggestions anyway.

BAD ORDER

ATT'N MATT JACKSON:

Do you have an Atlas truss bridge?

Let's see it!

BAD ORDER 

(I saw you walking across the intersection of 6th and Pacific the other day...)

Atlas Pratt Truss Bridge, (Double)  Click to access a picture file.   The 40" bridge works well across a 2' 8" door.



This MTH bridge is another good layout piece.

Classic Deck bridge.  Custom, Bridge Solutions.

Here are a few. The video will [hopefully] show the change in sound of trains crossing the bridge. Their open structure enhances the effect of sound-equipped locomotives. The Atlas Pratt Truss bridge is one of the better layout components I've seen produced. When they were fires trelased, guys were buying them and they didn't even have layouts. The plan was using them as display shelves for locomotives. I even think about it from time to time.

I don't recall crossing Pacific at 6th, but I'm frequently over at Pacific and Palm in Highland documenting part of the Redlands Loop.

HEY MIKE & MATT,

ZOWIE!  You guys sure have impressive layouts!  Your interests are 100% model railroading, not billiard playing with model railroading as a sideline, like me.

Matt, I notice that all your truss bridges are dual-track models. The structural framework and girders are sure well-detailed!

(I was referring to 6th and Pacific in San Pedro.)

TITANIC'S generators produced power at 100 Volts D.C. and were driven by reciprocating steam engines, not steam turbines.

BAD ORDER

I love these kits!    Easy to make; I have built four--- installing them in pairs back to back for an 80 length.

   Here are some tips:

1 prime and weather the deck, rails and install rail guards first

2  prime the girders then paint preferred color prior to assembly.

3 assemble parts and weather with bragdon powders.   

HEY BRAD,

I don't like weathering anything...locos, rolling stock, or structures.

I like them all to look new and shiny!

However, I will spray the bridge lightly with a Rustoleum flat black or gray, after assembly is complete! 

As always, I appreciate the tips you are all so generous with, but I'm a different breed of Cat, and will continue to climb my own tree!

Cheers,

bad order hal

Definitely saw me there as I was probably swinging by the bank on the way to/from the club. We're right up there on Gaffey and 32nd (up the hill inside Angels Gate Park) if you want to drop by on a Saturday. I'm probably not going to be there today as I'm working at the LA County E.O.C. in support of emergency responses to the storms.

We have three bridges in place on the layout -- two 2-track and on single-track, though we're thinking about putting a single-track in place of the 2-track bridge on the upper level and adding a separate bridge for the narrow gauge. The detailing on the bridge is very good, and very visible with a little weathering. The big thing I like about the bridge is that they opted to use steel stringers under the rails which give it strength to support heavy equipment without compromising the detail.

BOH

No worries, I would spray all but the deck and rails---and prior to assembly based on your comments above...

Have fun

Hal,

Here's another idea. I wanted to use an Atlas single track bridge to bridge a gap that already had a 1x4 plank across it with track installed.

I built just the top and sides of the Atlas bridge and set it down over the track.

You could do the same and just set the bridge down over your track. No approach ramps or changes to your track would be necessary. You would lose the detail of the girders under the track, but they would be hard to see anyway.

Just an idea.

Jim

HEY JIM,

Just an idea, you say?

I think it's a GREAT idea, and I may just use it!

BAD ORDER

I second that one. How'd you set the bridge in place on the board?

HEY BRAD, JIM, & MATT:

I use $4 Rustoleum and Krylon spray-can paints, not those Hobby paints.

What would be a good color on the Bridge to simulate exposed structural steel? 

Thanks,

bad order

Krylon  Ruddy Brown primer. 

Mike, it sounds like you know from whence you speak!

I'll do it!

bad order

I attached some L-brackets made from styrene to the inside of the bridge sides. These are just long enough to sit on the edge of the wood plank. The track is Fastrack so I painted the sides of the roadbed black to hide it. You can lift the bridge off for track cleaning or maintenance.

I gave the bridge a spray of flat black and then dusted it with a light spray of dark brown.