YK 50A Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 Hello all, I'm looking for a station footbridge, but the span needs to be roughly 10.5" between the platform centres, which is a couple of inches or so longer than normal. I would prefer something fairly minimalist as it's for a small station and relatively simple to put together would be a bonus. It's for my son's layout - I want to get it looking nice for Christmas, and selfishly I can get on with my toys in the New Year. The obvious candidates (to me) would be the Ratio 517 SR concrete footbridge and the Dapol C004; I understand it's easy to extend the spans by using additional kits. However, the Ratio is a Southern prototype (as much as I'm a fan of the SR, most of the buildings will be LNER constituent in origin) and I had the Dapol kit as a kid (in Airfix form) and it looked chunky then. I did think of using a barrow type crossing, but there isn't room on the straights. Does anyone have any ideas for alternative pre-assembled or kit footbridges? Many thanks, Alun Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Mallard60022 Posted November 20, 2014 RMweb Premium Share Posted November 20, 2014 Hello all, I'm looking for a station footbridge, but the span needs to be roughly 10.5" between the platform centres, which is a couple of inches or so longer than normal. I would prefer something fairly minimalist as it's for a small station and relatively simple to put together would be a bonus. It's for my son's layout - I want to get it looking nice for Christmas, and selfishly I can get on with my toys in the New Year. The obvious candidates (to me) would be the Ratio 517 SR concrete footbridge and the Dapol C004; I understand it's easy to extend the spans by using additional kits. However, the Ratio is a Southern prototype (as much as I'm a fan of the SR, most of the buildings will be LNER constituent in origin) and I had the Dapol kit as a kid (in Airfix form) and it looked chunky then. I did think of using a barrow type crossing, but there isn't room on the straights. Does anyone have any ideas for alternative pre-assembled or kit footbridges? Many thanks, Alun The Airfix one is chunky but it works. Unless your son is a P4 modeller you might get away with it? I think I used 2 or 3 Dapol Kits and the Ratio or Wills Plate Girder bits. This is EM gauge by the way but not an attempt at a 'finescale layout' by any means. I just wanted better looking track and to build points for myself (mainly). P Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
YK 50A Posted November 20, 2014 Author Share Posted November 20, 2014 The Airfix one is chunky but it works. Unless your son is a P4 modeller you might get away with it? St George's Yd d.jpg I think I used 2 or 3 Dapol Kits and the Ratio or Wills Plate Girder bits. This is EM gauge by the way but not an attempt at a 'finescale layout' by any means. I just wanted better looking track and to build points for myself (mainly). P Ha, ha, no, neither of us are finescale modellers, far from it! Have you ever seen "The Lego Movie"? Reading your reply, I reminded myself of the Dad in it. In other words, I doubt my son will notice but maybe I will. That's a nice looking bridge; I did some research before posting, saw a few others had modified them with girders and what have you. There's also the Ratio 548 non-generic design, but perhaps a bit expensive for a couple of kits. Alun Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Mallard60022 Posted November 20, 2014 RMweb Premium Share Posted November 20, 2014 That Ratio one is much nicer for a Platform Footbridge; probably worth the extra IMO. P Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
YK 50A Posted November 20, 2014 Author Share Posted November 20, 2014 That Ratio one is much nicer for a Platform Footbridge; probably worth the extra IMO. P It does look vaguely similar to some of the lattice footbridges you see in this neck of the woods too, if you lose the roof anyway. Thanks for that, I think I might go down the Ratio 548 route, hopefully it isn't too tricky to put together. Alun Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Controller Posted November 20, 2014 Share Posted November 20, 2014 It does look vaguely similar to some of the lattice footbridges you see in this neck of the woods too, if you lose the roof anyway. Thanks for that, I think I might go down the Ratio 548 route, hopefully it isn't too tricky to put together. Alun I suspect the railways didn't manufacture footbridges themselves, but bought them in from firms like Butterley and others; they would probably specify particular features, such as having the Railway's insignia cast into some of the panels or a distinctive pattern to the lattice-work, but the majority of the structure would be generic. Hence, very similar-looking bridges might be seen at the opposite ends of the country. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Campaman Posted November 20, 2014 Share Posted November 20, 2014 You could always go for a underpass to each platform instead of a bridge. I think scalescenes does one. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulWarb Posted November 20, 2014 Share Posted November 20, 2014 Do you like this bridge? It was as wide as you want - I think wider. If it will suit your purposes get back to me and I'll provide more details. Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
66C Posted November 20, 2014 Share Posted November 20, 2014 Hello all, I'm looking for a station footbridge, but the span needs to be roughly 10.5" between the platform centres, which is a couple of inches or so longer than normal. I would prefer something fairly minimalist as it's for a small station and relatively simple to put together would be a bonus. It's for my son's layout - I want to get it looking nice for Christmas, and selfishly I can get on with my toys in the New Year. Many thanks, Hi Alun Are you aware of the kit from York Modelmaking? Information here: http://yorkmodelmaking.co.uk/00-scale/detailing-steps-bridges-signs/00-scalefootbridge-kit Regards. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium uax6 Posted November 20, 2014 RMweb Premium Share Posted November 20, 2014 Not wishing to be critical of modelling of others on here, but I would suggest that Bridges are something that Railway modellers are very poor at producing. Looking at Mr Mallard 60022's footbridge there is something that doesn't look right isn't there? Yes there is a very strong plate girder supported on two lattice columns, but then there is the issues with the ends. One end has a latice section tacked on one end to make up the span onto the far right column, and the other has a very curious lattice bit tacked on to its end. Now I would be surprised if a bridge built like this in real life would actually stand up.... His bridge isn't the worse I've seen, several quite good layouts (Which have appeared as 'railway of the month' etc) have such glaring faults as the girders being joined together in mid-air etc. And there is a bad example in the current issue of Railway Modeller too. My suggestion is that you troll around google images and find pictures of actual bridges and then use bits out of a suitable kit to match it..... Andy G Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
YK 50A Posted November 20, 2014 Author Share Posted November 20, 2014 Thank you all. You could always go for a underpass to each platform instead of a bridge. Scalescenes do indeed do one, but having discounted a barrow type crossing, I think, for a child, a bridge is more interesting. Do you like this bridge? It was as wide as you want - I think wider. If it will suit your purposes get back to me and I'll provide more details. Hi Paul, any chance of trying again with the picture? I could well be interested but I can't seem to open it. Are you aware of the kit from York Modelmaking? They make nice models, but under the circumstances, a bit rich and too time consuming on this occasion. Not wishing to be critical of modelling of others on here, but I would suggest that Bridges are something that Railway modellers are very poor at producing. What others achieve on here at times leaves me literally astounded. However, if you go back to my original post, it is for my son, essentially a nice train set. I will be seeing what I can achieve in 16mm scale come the New Year! Alun Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium uax6 Posted November 20, 2014 RMweb Premium Share Posted November 20, 2014 You could of course get out the knife and do it this way: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/64977-bakewell-peak-district-line-br-landscape-gardening/page-22 Personally I would be tempted to get a couple of the airfix kits and lenghten the centre span to suit. Andy G Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Mallard60022 Posted November 20, 2014 RMweb Premium Share Posted November 20, 2014 Well I have to admit it was a fast bodge, made in a hurry, to try to disguise the board join for a show last year, but I hadn't appreciated the technical boob. My excuse......I have none at all other than my beak is weak. So, is it worth me digging it out of storage (the layout is dormant) and modifying it, or is the vote to send it to the scrap yard? If the former, any suggestions welcomed. However, as the hand rails on the Dapol kit are about a 'scale' foot wide, I really ought to carry out the latter and find a better solution to the join disguise! (I shall have to read Ernie Wise's guide to join disguises). The thought of scratch building a decent bridge is daunting. P I really am going to have to get my brain in gear for the Seaton Junction footpath footbridge that I need to build then aren't I? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium uax6 Posted November 20, 2014 RMweb Premium Share Posted November 20, 2014 If you are feeling creative with the plasticard there is a way out... Make a bridge like that shown in you photo above. You leave your columns where they are and remove the spans from on top of them. The one at the lefthand side will need to be made taller to match. Then make your new girders. They need to sit with their ends on the columns. The flanges (top and bottom) can be a layer of say 10 thou, which, if you want, can be built up like the wills ones towards the centre of the spans with extra layers. Run bits of T angle down from top to bottom (as shown above) and jobs a good 'un. The stairs at the left hand end could just be extended up to meet the new girder, or if the space is tight, they could (if you are stood on the new girder) turn right and down a flight and then turn left to the ground. The Airfix type stairs could be re-used for this bit. Andy G Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Mallard60022 Posted November 20, 2014 RMweb Premium Share Posted November 20, 2014 Apologies for hijacking the thread uax 6, but this has turned out to be very useful and thanks for that. I think I shall have to ensure the girders are positioned to rest their ends on the supports as you say as I see that the ones on mine look like they are balancing like a see saw. I reckon I might build a new one now I have more technical advice. Phil Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulWarb Posted November 20, 2014 Share Posted November 20, 2014 Thank you all. Scalescenes do indeed do one, but having discounted a barrow type crossing, I think, for a child, a bridge is more interesting. Hi Paul, any chance of trying again with the picture? I could well be interested but I can't seem to open it. They make nice models, but under the circumstances, a bit rich and too time consuming on this occasion. What others achieve on here at times leaves me literally astounded. However, if you go back to my original post, it is for my son, essentially a nice train set. I will be seeing what I can achieve in 16mm scale come the New Year! Alun Hi Alun Try this link ...... http://yourmodelrailway.net/gallery/404/404_161539_500000000.jpg it should take you to the photo I put in my message. My old layout - long since sold - was called Beeches TMD - try typing this into Google and do an images search and you will see several shots of a footbridge. Get back to me if you want more details. Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
YK 50A Posted November 20, 2014 Author Share Posted November 20, 2014 Hi Alun Try this link ...... http://yourmodelrailway.net/gallery/404/404_161539_500000000.jpg it should take you to the photo I put in my message. My old layout - long since sold - was called Beeches TMD - try typing this into Google and do an images search and you will see several shots of a footbridge. Hi again, How easy/difficult would it be to adjust the width of the span and position of the columns? Feel free to message me with more details and I can reply with my email address. If there's a bit of cutting and shutting, I may go down the Airfix/Dapol or possibly the Ratio kit route. Nice modelling by the way! Did you get to retire and develop the larger layout? All the best, Alun Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Chris Chewter Posted November 21, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 21, 2014 I've extended a Hornby R076 footbridge before. http://www.Hornby.com/footbridge-kit.html I think its in the loft being stored after I mothballed the layout it was intended for. I'll get a few snaps tonight. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Mallard60022 Posted November 21, 2014 RMweb Premium Share Posted November 21, 2014 Thanks Chris. You have just reminded me that I have a pre used one of those in the loft and I might just try using some of those 'pillars' before I scrap my monster. P Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulWarb Posted November 21, 2014 Share Posted November 21, 2014 Hi again, How easy/difficult would it be to adjust the width of the span and position of the columns? Feel free to message me with more details and I can reply with my email address. If there's a bit of cutting and shutting, I may go down the Airfix/Dapol or possibly the Ratio kit route. Nice modelling by the way! Did you get to retire and develop the larger layout? All the best, Alun Hello Alun I made the footbridge from the Hornby R076 bridge / kit. It was very easy to extend the bridge by cutting the straight sections from other kits and sticking them together. The additional brick supports were made from sheets of Wills bricks (plastic). Now this might sound expensive BUT - I managed to find some very cheap kits on ebay - even someone who had some pieces left over i.e. not a full kit but it suited my purposes and gave me the sections I wanted. Whole bridge then painted a dark grey. I believe someome else above has also suggested adapting a Hornby bridge. Yes retired now - thanks for asking! Busy with some work still - I don't think retired teachers can always stop teaching that easily!! - I do some writing too. Yes new railway is coming along quite well. Here's a link to the relatively new website - I hope to be adding some more photos soon. http://www.chesterfielddcc.com/ I can see the day not too far away when I complete the first run of a loco round the complete loop (they just run along the short section by the station that is electrified at the moment!!). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
YK 50A Posted November 21, 2014 Author Share Posted November 21, 2014 I've extended a Hornby R076 footbridge before. Thanks Chris. You have just reminded me that I have a pre used one of those in the loft and I might just try using some of those 'pillars' before I scrap my monster. P I have a nearly complete on of these which I bought as part of a job lot. It wasn't worth anything, so has just gone in my spares box. I'll have a look. Yes retired now - thanks for asking! Busy with some work still - I don't think retired teachers can always stop teaching that easily!! - I do some writing too. Yes new railway is coming along quite well. Here's a link to the relatively new website - I hope to be adding some more photos soon. http://www.chesterfielddcc.com/ That will be some layout! The area is of interest, from Liverpool myself, my partner from Chester. Consider your site bookmarked! But think I will be going down the Ratio route for the bridge - easy life and all that. Alun Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Chris Chewter Posted November 22, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 22, 2014 As promised, one kitbashed Hornby footbridge. This was the first time I combined two kits, so its a little crude! However the plastic is flexible, making it easy to work with. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lyndonsdad1 Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 A number of years ago there was a fellow in Combe Martin who produced kits of SR concrete bridges in 00 which were suitable for Seaton Junction et al. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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