Off to a good start on this bridge. Forest Hill Blvd is a minor sidestreet in an older neighborhood. I like this one alot, the concrete work, the paint, the I-beam bridge. I didn't take any actual measurements of the prototype, but did use BingMaps and GoogleEarth to get overall dimensions, then used that to "proportionalize" everything else, basically just used my intuition to make things "look" about the same as in the proto pictures. I did have the 13' - 3" clearance from the bridge sign as something to work from. I am guessing that the bridge and concrete was painted to cover up all the graffiti which was most likely on it.

The real thing...

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The model bridge itself. The I-beams where made from plastic strip, the rivets are JB Kwik epoxy dotted on with a tooth pick. There are actually more rivets on the prototype, but I didn't take the time to do all of them. :?

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Some of the concrete pieces cut out and built up:

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Test fit on the layout

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Pieces painted. I made them a bit more weathered and distressed than the real thing, plus I am still going to add the scrapes down to the concrete which are on the real thing.

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Will be working on getting them in place on the layout this evening.

Gary,

Great work as always, Sure is an interesting bridge and an odd color. Keep up the great work!!

Thanks Guys!

Greg, the color is one of the things that I liked about this bridge. Definitely different.

The pieces have now been glued in place, just need to let the PL300 dry which will take overnight at least. Next will be the sidewalks. Haven't quite figured out the easiest way to do them yet, but will have my thinking cap on.

nice job Gary. This ones a lot simpler that the last few that you did.
I'll have to try the epoxy rivets. That NWSL riveter does a job and a half on your eyes after a few minutes or so. Cant wait to See the finished product.

The I-beam was fairly thick plastic strip, don't know if a riveter would have worked... and I don't have a riveter anyway! So, I figured tiny dots of epoxy would work. Came out okay.

Now, Here's where the bridge is now. Sidewalls glued in place. The bridge is just sitting there for now. Have to get the road and sidewalk in before the bridge goes on permanent.

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Sidewalk is painted, road is under construction. Still needs lots more attention - washes, dullcote, powders, more dullcote.

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Gary,

Can't believe how accurate your models are and the speed in which you get them done. Another fanastic bridge.

Bruce

Thank you Bruce. I've really taken a liking to this scratchbuilding from the prototype stuff. And it isn't all that hard - Take a few photos, take a few measurements, glue some plastic together, slap on some paint, and bingo! It certainly eases the stress and worry of wondering if a fantasy creation is realistic or not.

Progress from last night and today:

Road done and sidewalks built up, painted, and installed.

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The road set in place as a test fit:

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and the real thing for comparison:

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Gary,

Awesome as always!!!

I would hate t bump into that curb it would destroy the side of a car. Have you figured out how you are going to do the handrails?

Awful, just awful.




JUST KIDDING!!!

:band2"

Greg, On the non-sidewalk side, there are obvious scrapes where side mirrors have hit the wall. This is a very skinny road underpass for sure. On the handrails, I am sitting here watching the World Series and drilling holes in some plastic strip for the uprights, and threading skinny little wires through them.

Incidentally, the Texas Rangers are taking a beating as we speak.

Tetters...

Handrails in progress:

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Gary,

Those are pretty good looking handrails to bad the Rangers are not doing so hot....

Rangers got their butts kicked.

I should be in bed, but stayed up long enough to get the rails painted and installed.

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