Understanding that the answer is probably "neither," which Kato Unitrack bridge is more prototypical for a 50's western railroad, the plate girder or the truss bridge? Thanks, Brian
Either, both and neither! There are plenty of examples of both types of bridges in use, depending on the situation, what is being crossed, etc.
I've modified a pot full of Kato bridges in the past to get bridges with a USA "flavor" to them. However, I don't know if they were Unitrack bridges, but the two I saw on the Kato USA site look familiar. Here are some photos of some of the Japanese bridges I've modified to maybe give you a better idea what can be easily done with them. First, here's a Japanese prototype bridge (red) next to the very same bridge which I've modified to appear similar to U.P. bridges I'm familiar with here on the Wahsatch Grade in Weber Canyon: Mods on these two bridges consisted of modifying the ends, adding USA style walkways and getting rid of the toy-like code 80 track and substituting ME bridge track in its place...then safety rails on the inside, next to the wooden walkways. Here's another shot of these two bridges: Here's a shot of them installed on my good friend Nate's layout...one of them being painted silver the other left green as several U.P. bridges in Weber Canyon are done this way for whatever reason: Here's a shot of a smaller Kato bridge with its ends modified, and new bridge track installed. I did these for a commercial project with my friend Kelly constructing a couple of Ntrak 2000 modules for a customer: Here's another shot of two more of the same type of Kato bridges with modified ends and new bridge track. Definitely looks like UP Warren Truss bridges if ya don't look too closely...well...not really, but they look exponentially better than unmodified ones: If you look closely at the last photo, you'll see that there are actually four bridges in this scene, two through-truss bridges and two girder bridges, which is common practice prototypically. Hope this helps! Cheerio! Bob Gilmore
If you're modeling the WP, they used truss bridges in the Feather River Canyon. The crossing at Pulga is a great example. They also used them in Niles Canyon and at Altamont. Here's the truss at Altamont in the background: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=179140&nseq=163 And, here's a great look at the trusses at Pulga: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=71128&nseq=300
