Yep. On the Stennar version, the last 2 or bents per end don't have cross bracing and I'll be leaving it off the very last ones, but the inner 10 bents will have the bracing. I started test fitting yesterday; here is one cross brace in place between two bents: I will have to scratch build the cross bracing on the very bottoms of the bents because of the skewed lengths where the bents meet the hillside. There will be concrete footers put in later too. I've got a feeling this little 520' curved trestle will always be ready to give me a job to do on the layout if I get bored putting in the yard here in a few weeks. Getting it to the point of being able to run trains over it is going to be a lot easier than making it look complete.
About the bents for your layout Dave, I think you will like working with them. They go together really quickly after you clean up the cast pieces. I think Internettrains.com has individual bents kits for sale, and they include the cross bracing and everything.
Remember to file a slight taper to the rail footing on one end. Only a stroke or two. Do this on the right and left top of the foot, all across the bottom of the foot, and on both the right and left outside edges of the foot. This will help the rail slide through the ties without hanging up on the "spikes". I have tried lightly wiping the footing with cooking oil as a lubrication. It seems to work well, and does not migrate, just wipe a thin film, not much. After insertion, a Q-Tip dipped in alcohol will remove the oil film if you wish to paint.
That's gonna look great - the cross braces make a huge difference. You're right - that bridge will keep you busy for awhile! I don't envy you when it comes time to do the handrails! I've done a bunch, but I think all of my bridges put together aren't as long as yours (well, maybe they are . . . ) Handrails are tedious, but they really complete a scene in my opinion. . . anyway, great work, I'm enjoying the play by play!
Thanks Dave. One of my engineering friends came over today and helped get more cross braces cut out of the sprues. Here are three of five bent structures with the cross bracing in. I love that cotton belt Kato GP50. It outpulls an SD40T-2 and runs smoother. Kato figured out how to make a smooth, quiet mechanism 20 years ago and the other heavy hitters in this hobby market still don't compare!
Thanks Paul. It's starting to take me back to the SLO hills when I see it. Layouts are great mood enhancers.
Thanks Jason. Too bad none of my local friends have a CZ set, I'd like to see how it looks on here. Maybe I'll just break down and buy one. They are such a good deal for Kato cars. I remember that awesome shot you posted a few months back of the Zephyr on a long sweeping turn. It seems like it would takes a large scene to showcase all 11 cars.
I have two sets FD & if I was in the area I'd lend you one no probs,that would look so good running across it.
I will never have space for a bridge, so it is great to see the development of yours. Sure has come a long way since the foam slab days
Thanks! Hemi, the GP50 is a little slower than the tunnel motors but not by much. When they are struggling with a train, the GP50 is fast enough to help them out. Other old katos that I have (SD40s, one SD45) are sometimes too slow for the new Atlas mechanisms which power the IM SD40T-2s, while other Atlas mechs are too fast to MU with the tunnel motors (B23-7 for example). I can see why everyone wants DCC.
The bridge and land contour are very stunning to say the least. I can't wait to see it once you get the bridge done and toss some more ground cover on the ground. I'd say you have a worthy candidate for publication of photo's.
Oh yea - having moved from California to Ohio 4 years ago, I can definitely agree. Nothing like a quick railfan trip to 'God's Country' - right down the stairs in the basement - to put me in a good mood!! The bridge is looking killer - great job!
