Large Scale Central

Howe Truss Bridge Engineering?

Modeling
#61

Devon Sinsley said:

John Caughey said:

Devon Sinsley said:

I do like the Fink

All the cast bits can be printed, round and bar stock is available.

So is it started yet?(https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif)

No John, I haven’t started yet (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-surprised.gif). That will be one of those “someday” projects. I was thinking of how to do the cast bits, and hand’t thought about printing. I have two friends in our local club that are getting quite good with their printers. If I were to do one I like the trusses underneath and doing a deck bridge. That to me is very visually interesting. I would really need to learn how all the fiddly bits went together so I can draw them up on Sketchup so they can print them. Would be a very fun build.

But then again a have already got a lot of half built projects that would be fun to build.

You and me both!

#62

Make sure you know the largest railcar vertical clearance before designing the bridge. If you are planning on running double stacks, you will need a bridge 10" or more to assure clearance. If you will have specialized equipment you plan to run, know the vertical distance for clearance you will need.

#63

We are also in the process of building a Howe truss bridge for our railroad. We are adapting the design of the Hunterline bridge design https://hunterline.com/ which is a standard gauge bridge for Narrow Gauge.

The angles for this bridge are 22 degrees which determine the height.

Two videos you may find interesting are.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6GkIk9MyIw

and

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oL-39NZJmhI

Stan

#64

The Truss Me app from the second video looks like fun to play with. Thanks for posting.

#65

Well I love the generosity of this site. Thanks to Bob and Dan; I now have two set of plans to work from. Messing with Dan’s on a copier I scaled it up to a point where the bridge will be 32" with an extra 2" on each end for 36". I can then trim it to fit exactly my space of around 35". This comes out just slightly larger than 1:20.3 which is lucky because thats the size everything will be built to. Its close enough anyway. And Dan’s is a true Howe so it will likely get the nod. But both men deserve a big thank you. Also a lurker here and a local club member also offered his set of plans. Its nice to be in a group of generous people.

#66

Well got a decent start on the Howe Bridge. I ended up using roughly the plans Dan sent me but took into consideration Bob’s plans and then pretty much did my own thing. I wanted a black creosote look so bought ebony stain; way too black for my taste. I will rub some dirty and ash on it to try and weather it a bit before clear coating it with deck sealer.

Now that the stain is dry I will weather it and then lay the rails and add walk way planking. Then seal it.

#67

Nice bridge, but look here Mister it’s been too long since your last check in here. I don’t wear worry well, so check in more often eh?

#68

John Caughey said:

Nice bridge, but look here Mister it’s been too long since your last check in here. I don’t wear worry well, so check in more often eh?

What do you mean? I have been poking around asking questions about the bridge. It hasn’t been that long since I chimed in last, Has it? But at least I know I am cared for enough to be missed.

#69

Looks great! That stain will probably lighten a bit outside, so I wouldn’t worry too much about it at all. Just enjoy watching trains cross it - and takes lots of neat pictures.

#70

Devon Sinsley said:

John Caughey said:

Nice bridge, but look here Mister it’s been too long since your last check in here. I don’t wear worry well, so check in more often eh?

What do you mean? I have been poking around asking questions about the bridge. It hasn’t been that long since I chimed in last, Has it? But at least I know I am cared for enough to be missed.

Last night it occurred to me that it had been too long AND for those of us playing medical roulette, well … y’know…(https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-sealed.gif)

#71

Bridge turned out well, Devon. You might just make bridge engineer after all (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif). Now let’s see it on the layout.

#72

Yup, nice looking bridge… (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)

#73

Devon Sinsley said:

I will rub some dirty and ash on it to try and weather it a bit before clear coating it with deck sealer.

You will not! “Look into my eyes”… You will install it and let “Mother Nature” do her work !

Rooster try’s Jedi mind tricks on Devon hoping to take advantage of the recent surgery minus the aluminum foil skull cap

#74

" Rooster " said:

Devon Sinsley said:

I will rub some dirty and ash on it to try and weather it a bit before clear coating it with deck sealer.

You will not! “Look into my eyes”… You will install it and let “Mother Nature” do her work !

Rooster try’s Jedi mind tricks on Devon hoping to take advantage of the recent surgery minus the aluminum foil skull cap

I think Rooster is saying you need to do this as much as you need another hole in your head. But maybe that’s recommended? (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-embarassed.gif)

#75

Like Rooster is trying to say ( I think) Don’t seal it! That will block future applications of oil which the wood will need to be protected from the weather.

Sealer will not keep moisture out but it will keep moisture in that does penetrate the sealer and that moisture is what rots the wood.

Just my 2 pennies

Rick

#76

Okay the gods have spoken no sealer let ma nature do the weathering.

But if dealer does what you say it does Rick then why do people use it on their decks? That is specifically what it is designed to do. I am no expert when it comes to protecting wood outdoors as my deck is plastic.

#77

And I most definitely do not want or need another hole in my head. One is plenty.

#78

I think the sealer on the deck is to keep dirt etc. out so it stays cleaner longer . Nice job… let’s see it place with a train on it …(http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif)

Hey were you been buddy…(http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-surprised.gif)

#79

Devon Sinsley said:

Okay the gods have spoken…

Devon, I know you have been running about a quart low since your surgery. But, do you have any idea what you have just done? Some of these guys heads are big enough already.

Bridge looks great BTW

#80

Okay Thompson’s makes what they call “clear multi-surface waterproofer” If this stuff is not meant to keep water out of wood then I have no idea what it is for. I don’t mean to be argumentative (okay, yes I do) but this stuff is used on decks and other surfaces to prevent water from entering the materiel. And they sell it in a convenient aerosol can. Says it prevents water damage and allows wood to grey naturally.