How not to build a kit bridge

[Stuart Birks]

On a previous version of my layout I had a small bridge over a stream. This was ok until the cats decided to remove the handrails.

 

 

This section is now being rebuilt and so this is being replaced. After a bit of a hunt around I decided I liked the look of the Wills Decked Girder Bridge kit.

After initial assembly I found the kit did not have anything under the track so it is possible to see right through. I didnt really like this even though it is probably prototypically correct. I inserted a layer of plasticard between the girders whih also allowed me to support the decking easilly at the correct hight. I am using C&L trackwork and so a small amount of packing was required on top of the abutments to make the difference from PECO track.

 

 

 

I got part way through painting when I tried it on the layout. That section of track is on a slight incline which means the top of the abutments need to slope slightly.

I can't determine if a bridge of this design would be used on an incline. Somehow I feel that it wouldn't as it probably would have expansion joints which might result in it moving downhill. I dont know the answer but decided that I would live with this potential error.

Wanting to slope the tops I decided to make new abutments using some Wills coarse stone sheets. I also made them a bit taller than the originals.

 

 

I was pleased with the way they turned out so I became a bit more critical of the bridge itself. It was ok apart from the scale 3inch diameter handrails. I wondered if I could just replace them but felt it wouls not be strong enough especially if the cats ever got on the layout again. I decided to make some sides out of brass soldered together.

 

 

I was pleased with these and so support for the original decking was made and it was all painted.

 

 

 

 

The surounding scenery is far from complete and the bridge might get a bit more weathering done on it but it is looking good.

From the original kit I kept the decking plates, the rest was replaced. Not a good way to build a kit.

 

Stu

 

 

[ikcdab]

11 minutes ago, Stuart Birks said:

On a previous version of my layout I had a small bridge over a stream. This was ok until the cats decided to remove the handrails.

 

 

This section is now being rebuilt and so this is being replaced. After a bit of a hunt around I decided I liked the look of the Wills Decked Girder Bridge kit.

After initial assembly I found the kit did not have anything under the track so it is possible to see right through. I didnt really like this even though it is probably prototypically correct. I inserted a layer of plasticard between the girders whih also allowed me to support the decking easilly at the correct hight. I am using C&L trackwork and so a small amount of packing was required on top of the abutments to make the difference from PECO track.

 

 

 

I got part way through painting when I tried it on the layout. That section of track is on a slight incline which means the top of the abutments need to slope slightly.

I can't determine if a bridge of this design would be used on an incline. Somehow I feel that it wouldn't as it probably would have expansion joints which might result in it moving downhill. I dont know the answer but decided that I would live with this potential error.

Wanting to slope the tops I decided to make new abutments using some Wills coarse stone sheets. I also made them a bit taller than the originals.

 

 

I was pleased with the way they turned out so I became a bit more critical of the bridge itself. It was ok apart from the scale 3inch diameter handrails. I wondered if I could just replace them but felt it wouls not be strong enough especially if the cats ever got on the layout again. I decided to make some sides out of brass soldered together.

 

 

I was pleased with these and so support for the original decking was made and it was all painted.

 

 

 

 

The surounding scenery is far from complete and the bridge might get a bit more weathering done on it but it is looking good.

From the original kit I kept the decking plates, the rest was replaced. Not a good way to build a kit.

 

Stu

 

 

Very nice modelling.  Bit like "grandpa's broom" or Flying Scotsman!

[Enterprisingwestern]

 

You've unwittingly solved the cat issue, one brass handrail at 240 volt positive,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,!

 

Mike.