Large Scale Central

Trestle Bridge length?

Track and Trestles
#1

So since our backyard has a long long slope (approx. 35’-40’) going to the west from our layout I am wanting to build a trestle bridge and am wondering should I be concerned about running a trestle this long?

The elevation drops from 1’(@current track location) to 4’ at the end of the yard, then goes up hill to the south about 5’ in a span of about 16’-18’ I know this incline is way more than 3 degrees so I would have to do something to make the climb whether it be in a “S” configuration or something else. But for now before I get too into build a ton of trestles I am just wondering about the overall length. Any input is appreciated.

Sean

#2

Length ok, make as long as you want, grade not great, and curves on grade worse…

Look into some alternative track plans.

Regards, Greg

#3

Agreed…length doesn’t matter as long as it’s properly supported.

#4

Sean
Thought of you when I say this video!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmP_h6qSExE
Size does matter!!
Sean

#5

Nice trestle Sean, but that is some gawd awful audio :smiley:

#6

There is a G scaler that lives just south of the Tehachipi Loop in California. He even set up a straight that lines up with the mainline track so when you look dpwn the G scale track it looks like it is part of the full-size mainline.
There is a lot of wind in that canyon. He has a trestle or bridge on that layout that has a net to catch engines and cars that get blown off the tracks!

#7

Jon not my trestle. This is mine and working on a covered bridge to span the two tracks

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/smcgill_pics/Fallcolors021.jpg)

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/smcgill_pics/NewTrestle017jpg-3.jpg)

Sean

#8

I knew it wasn’t your layout, should have made that more clear, like “nice trestle video”! I remember seeing yours and it’s pretty impressive too. Trestles are on my someday list to replace a section that’s on raised pt lumber.

#9

Can’t tell if the guys running steam or diesel. One of the worst sound systems I’ve ever heard.

#10

Spare the incredible expense and time for that huge area, and rent a skid steer, get a few dump loads of dirt, and landscape it so it works for you. If you do the math on cut vs. fill, you might not need to bring any dirt in, just move it around a bit. beter yet, plan a pond, and use that dirt for fill.
Lots of work at the start, but maintenance later will make it worth it.

#11
Sean McGillicuddy said:
Sean Thought of you when I say this video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmP_h6qSExE Size does matter!! Sean
That's quite a trestle !