Source for bridge parts

RixsterOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Shown below, I have an elevated double main passing through a double-track MTH bridge. Coming off that bridge, I have another single truss on the 0-48 inside track, and a deck girder on the O-60 outside. I will be running double-stacks on the O-60 track, and the small truss is not high enough to accommodate them, so I built the deck bridge, I have now decided it would look better to have two single trusses side by side, so I plan to scratchbuild another single truss using basswood. I may consider adding some plastic truss supports to give the bridge more detail. I considered buying another single truss like I already have but I'm not sure how to to kitbash it to the necessary height so I think I would be better building a new one.

Could someone direct me to a source(s) for these bridge parts? I have a heard of Plastruct, is that the way to go?

Thanks.

Rick

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1/20/142:31 PM

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Old GoatOGR Forum Member

Rick,

Is it possible to gain sufficient clearance by removing the deck and elevating the bridge sides on horizontal basswood supports painted silver?

Central Valley Model Works offers girders, in HO scale. If they are a match, I have some spares that I would be willing to sell...email in my OGR Profile.

Plastruct is another source. Evergreen Scale Models has various sizes of styrene strips if you feel like scratchbuilding.

1/20/144:22 PM

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AMCDaveOGR Forum Member

Plastruct makes great I beams and H columns for bridges. Tichy grp makes rivet plates for detailing bridge joints. You can make your own with .010 sheet stock and a pounce wheel from a sewing shop. If you order Plastruct get styrene and not ABS.....ABS is stronger but harder to work with.

1/20/145:08 PM

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scale railOGR Forum Member

I buy from Central Valley Model Works. They sell a pack of parts for $14. Don

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1/20/146:05 PM

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L.I.TRAINOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

contact the guys at Silk City, or Bridgeboss.

1/20/147:21 PM

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RixsterOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Thanks guys...I will check out the Plastruct and Central Valley websites.

Rick

1/20/1410:04 PM

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Old GoatOGR Forum Member

Rick,

The Kalmbach book, Bridges and Buildings For Model Railroads, pp. 26-31, contains the article, Modern Steel Truss Bridge..."The materials are simple and construction straightforward in building this typical Pratt truss for a modern railroad."

1/21/147:55 AM

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Mike CTOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I spent some money on an NWSL Sensi-Press and Riveter table a few years ago. An interesting way to spend Winter days adding rivet detail to your bridge. Detail on a scratch built turntable. I believe Evergreen Scale Models has a nice how to book. Also good source for styrene sheet, strips, and parts like angles.

I also did some rivet detail on a Mullet River model kit.

1/21/148:32 AM

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RixsterOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Dave...I ordered 2 bags of those girder plated from Tichy Train Group but they were far too small for my needs so I will need to return them or use them on some other project. So I made my own out of styrene. Here are some progress pics of my bridge. I still have some I-beam detailing to do and then it's on to painting and weathering.