After seeing Eric Shades covered bridges over the years I have been wanting to build one for my layout. The old layout never had a good spot for one so one was never built. But when I started to build the new layout I planned a spot for one. I did post it under my layout build but figured it would be more appropriate to put it here. I did not follow any particular plan just looked at pictures and came up with my own design. I know a logging railroad didnt have covered bridges but its one of those things I wanted and I think it will be great for photos and videos.
I started with the sides using a basic design. There is a name but I forget. Originally I was going to hand spike all the track onto the bridge beams but then decided against it because if the spikes started to pop up I would not be ale to get inside to fix since it was so long. Instead I covered the bottom with planks to hide the plastic ties.
The area I planned ended up being much longer then planned. When I made the ravine I had not planned on a waterfall. When I installed the pondless waterfall I realized the tub was very wide. At that point the track was already down and didnt want to have to readjust the track. I was forced to have s light curve going into and out of the covered bridge. My story is the guys were drinking too much moon shine when they laid the track.
Clearance will not be an issue Im making this so it will accommodate most larger stuff like 7/8th scale. Im still debating on two things. One what to do with the roof. I thught about cedar shingles but Im also thinking about trying slate. I can get a lot of slate but cutting it into small pieces might be a challenge. or just go with wood planking overlaping each other. Also Im debating if I should paint it a weathered red or go natural.
