I have a project I'm thinking of attempting but not sure if I can find the space for it.
It's the 'High Bridge' over the Kentucky River. I need to make a drawing of it first. Lots of pics are available on it. No drawings as far as I know. The deck is 275 feet above the water and the bridge looks about 1/3 longer then that.
At one time before the Southern Railway double tracked it. There were large large limestone piers holding it up but when they doubled it they took the piers and replaced them with metal. Still looks pretty awesome though. I was thinking if I make most of the details out of card and the needed parts out of styrene or even metal.
A couple of pics..
http://www.flickr.com/photos/flyingj...45777/sizes/l/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/flyingj...88754/sizes/l/
As yet I haven't measured the length of the bridge but I know it's longer then taller. In HO (1/87) it's nearly 38" to the deck from the water. A topographic map of the area should solve the length problem then make a sketch then a drawing. I would guess it's about 50"-52" (4'-2" - 4'-4") long. A pretty big hunk of real estate on a somewhat small layout. To model the Southern and not put in the bridge as it approaches Lexington would be a crime though.. Still mulling it over hehe.
If I made most of it out of card though construction could be pretty quick. All that girder work could be cut out card stock even rust and weathering could be added to the print along with rivets and so on.. Or I could do as you have done and cut out the details and add them to the bridge (Gussets / Rivets) Angle Iron is a folded piece of card stock. I've scene trains passing over the bridge and they are dwarfed by it's size.
Probably would need a good support though I'm thinking metal would work great for that. for it's size not to much would be needed and I could easily hide thick piano wire in there. I know it's not just the weight of the bridge but the 'fluid' load (Trains) on top too that have to be supported.
Any hints or suggestions anyone may wish to add please feel free. I can use the help..
It's the 'High Bridge' over the Kentucky River. I need to make a drawing of it first. Lots of pics are available on it. No drawings as far as I know. The deck is 275 feet above the water and the bridge looks about 1/3 longer then that.
At one time before the Southern Railway double tracked it. There were large large limestone piers holding it up but when they doubled it they took the piers and replaced them with metal. Still looks pretty awesome though. I was thinking if I make most of the details out of card and the needed parts out of styrene or even metal.
A couple of pics..
http://www.flickr.com/photos/flyingj...45777/sizes/l/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/flyingj...88754/sizes/l/
As yet I haven't measured the length of the bridge but I know it's longer then taller. In HO (1/87) it's nearly 38" to the deck from the water. A topographic map of the area should solve the length problem then make a sketch then a drawing. I would guess it's about 50"-52" (4'-2" - 4'-4") long. A pretty big hunk of real estate on a somewhat small layout. To model the Southern and not put in the bridge as it approaches Lexington would be a crime though.. Still mulling it over hehe.
If I made most of it out of card though construction could be pretty quick. All that girder work could be cut out card stock even rust and weathering could be added to the print along with rivets and so on.. Or I could do as you have done and cut out the details and add them to the bridge (Gussets / Rivets) Angle Iron is a folded piece of card stock. I've scene trains passing over the bridge and they are dwarfed by it's size.
Probably would need a good support though I'm thinking metal would work great for that. for it's size not to much would be needed and I could easily hide thick piano wire in there. I know it's not just the weight of the bridge but the 'fluid' load (Trains) on top too that have to be supported.
Any hints or suggestions anyone may wish to add please feel free. I can use the help..