Why “Bridge 5” ? Good question. All of my other bridges have names; East & West Es-cape`, Indian Hill, and Meadow Gap. In the vicinity is the root Hollywood Marconi dubbed Natural Bridge. I don’t want to use that name again. I noticed All Pomeroy’s use of RGS prototype numbers on his RR, so seeing that it is my fifth bridge I figured why not just use the number.
Planning for this bridge goes back a long way. I had originally planned a reverse loop at this end of the RR…
but a few years back when the Engine House arrived, I calculated the grade getting back to the main at over 10%…
Not willing to accept that as a mainline grade the loop plan was cancelled. The new plan is a high industry track above the Engine House perpendicular to the existing tracks in the vicinity of this retaining wall…
And maybe someday, an EBT inspired concrete coal dock with a tin hopper shed on the upper track. That is the goal, if I stay in this house long enough.
When Deep Cut Tunnel was built (AKA Fred’s Tomb), the South pad for the bridge was poured using excess concrete from the portal…
Shortly after the Engine House went in, thinking the bridge would never be built, the South pad was removed during a wall repair…
That was before thoughts of the coal dock were thought. As part of my recent storm repairs I put the South pad back in place and last weekend I surveyed the route to Walk Landing. From the existing EOT it’s about 30-35 feet in a curving route rising 20" to a temporary bridge deck. Just under 5% if my calculations are correct. Certainly doable with one or two hoppers. Switching this location with the requirement to move any cars spotted at Walk Landing will take a lot of time and multiple moves.
I’m re-posting a few pictures from my storm thread showing the current status…
So far, all of my model bridges have been of the welded plate girder design. For this one I have been thinking something made from wood. Something fairly uncommon, but not too complicated to build would be perfect. I’m thinking the bridge build will be a Winter 2018 project. One design that interested me as the wood girder style. I’ve been following Devon’s bridge thread and getting some inspiration there as well.