Category Archives: The Trains

The inspiration for my concrete arch bridge

Walnut Lane bridge over the Wissahickon creek

The Walnut lane bridge was certainly most of my wanting to reproduce something similar in HO scale. Although the Walnut lane bridge is a roadway bridge with cantilevered sidewalks, the main structural elements for a railroad bridge would be similar, and I did not try to reproduce an exact copy this bridge, which is right in my neighborhood.

Walnut Lane bridge from creek walking path

The bridge was built in 1908 and at that time was the longest masonry arch span in the world, just now finishing a restoration.

Completing my cast hydrocal Cement arch bridge

Back, finally,  to casting the second side of my arch bridge, so to bring things up to date, here are a few shots of the mold and initial pour.

Wood & Sintra mold with steel wire re-enforcing rods

Starting pour

Pouring Hydrocal in a hurry – sets quick

and leveling off

Leveling Hydrocal

Then back to the present starting the second pour

original cast and second pour

Both casts with spacer cut from 3/4 inch Sintra (expanded closed cell PVC sheet)

I’ll continue detailing and assembly in the next post

 

Continue working on the Yard & Engine Servicing area

Some Photos showing progress, and also trying arrangements of structures for the engine servicing facility, and how these would photograph in different light (time of day-or weather)

Working with laying track and stone wall at one yard lead

Track down and stone wall further along with concrete cap.

Trying position of servicing structures

Working it out.

Trying angles

Camera and lighting set up after placing structures and ballast, greenery etc.

Final early morning light Photo.

Early morning happening-Click to enlarge

 

Pretty interesting article in the New York Times about a new Model railroad Museum to be designed by Architect Frank Gehry

The Extreme Model Railroad and Contemporary Architecture museum in North Adams Mass. 83,000 square feet with 40 foot ceilings to accommodate 35 foot tall Empire State Building.

The article can be accessed here  Extreme Model Railroad and Architecture Museum

 

COOL