Well today I managed to build one of the two lower bridges crossing the creek/ gorge on the lower level. I sort of cheated. I used the ½ plywood for my deck and then dressed the edges where the bridge goes with styrene. Then since it will only be viewed from one side I built three girders to span the area on the front side of the bridge. I even got to use my rivet tool ( I bought from Gizzmo) for the first time. I also added the railings and used elastic line to string through the uprights in the railings. Both ends of the bridge where the last concrete supports are will be backed with ground, rocks etc., maybe even some timbers to control erosion. Track and roadbed are just setting on the bridge for now. Once I get the other bridge done behind it, I can power up the lower loop and make a first run again with the Big Boy around the layout. Still lots to do, but at least it’s something checked off the list.





Here are a couple of shot showing the area with all the bridges

absolutely incredible, as i said on the 3rail forum ... speechless! great work on that lower line bridge: the rivets and the weathering really seal the deal. cant wait to see the angle you take on the scenery!

this will surely be a great railfannin spot for your fans! really nice stuff my friend!

how about a how-to on the bridge ... you know i'm a big fan of those gully washers! your concrete supports sure look swell.

Looks good Al. Rivet detail looks great.
Mike CT

Excellent job Al and your track plan looks well thought out and wil provide lots of action.

Outstanding! How did you make the "stanchions" (is that the right word?) for the elastic threads to go through? Did you just drill holes into wooden sticks?

Looks terrific!

John

This bridge actually came together faster than I thought it was going to take. Gizzmo's riveter made fast work of riveting. The concrete piers are made from 3/4" pieces of MDF ( Medium Density Fiberboard). I cut the angles on my table and band saws and then smoothed everything out with the bench-top sander and then painted with my favorite concrete color. The bridge railings are made from Evergreen styrene I beams(small).I used a push pin to mark & start the two small holes in each for the railings & then drilled with a pin drill to open them up. I used this photo for the prototype for the bridge. This is also what I pan the gorge walls to look like also.

Al, Your layout is progressing well and looks awesome. Nice work emulating the concrete piers. Dave G.

Super, Al! Can't wait to see that rockwork. Keep us posted.

A handsome attention to detail.
Clean, crisp, realistic. Nice work.

Rudy

Very well done. Can't wait for more photos.

guys! Well the plate is 1" tall. Today I figured I am going to use 2 of my MTH die cast girder bridges for the last bridge in the lower back.



I ran the 1/2 plywood inside the girders and fastened them to the underside of the plywood with screws through the tin sheet metal bottoms. I made the cement piers tonight and just have to paint them. I could use these for the second crossing, since that crossing has a longer straight section of track. With this bridge being a little taller than the one I made yesterday in front of it, you'll be able to see it better.

Hi Al

There's no cheating in 3Rail

Looks great - Nice website you have there
and thank you for sharing your efforts.

Bill

How are the bridges coming along, Al.

i'll second that thought vulk! miss you around here al ... and i'm going to miss this thread soon as well.

Nice job Al! The new brige looks great, and the Amtrak train going over the pass coule be the "real thing" it's so realistic.

Hi guys,

Thanks for the good word. Well not a lot of train stuff going on this time of year, I am swamped with work and was able to get away at the end of last week and weekend for a scouting camp trip with my 7yr. old son. Great time even with all the mud and rain. Train stuff will be ramping up next month. I did get to put an ad in CTT for the Nov. Hi-rail issue for my trees, we'll see how that works out.

Great stuff Al:
Time moves on, it's great to hear you're spending Scout time with your son. I believe there is still a model railroading merit badge out there. I spend a good bit of time with Grandson Micah who is now 6

Beautiful project
Mike CT

I don't call it cheating. It's modelling...what ever you want to call it...It looks great! Great job!
Kurt

All right Al ! Looks great! Nice to hear you got to use the embosser.It's obviouse thats going to be a great scene when your done. I think that having the arched bridge over truly gives the area a sence of expance. Great work.

Gizzmo