Trestle bridge help

[GAP]

I am asking for some advice on which users prefer for the edge of my trestle bridge.
Attached are 2 pictures showing the trestle 1 with an edge and 1 without an edge.
I am really looking for opinions to help make a decision so feel free to post an opinion.
The edge is nothing more that aesthetics so asking which one is preferred keeping in mind that this is a narrow gauge line.

 

[dunnyrail]

I am asking for some advice on which users prefer for the edge of my trestle bridge.
Attached are 2 pictures showing the trestle 1 with an edge and 1 without an edge.
I am really looking for opinions to help make a decision so feel free to post an opinion.
The edge is nothing more that aesthetics so asking which one is preferred keeping in mind that this is a narrow gauge line.

View attachment 263278

View attachment 263277

Definitely needs the edge, if you look at pics of real ones there are generally walkways to the side of the Trestles. In place to allow servicing and for Track Gangers to check out the joints and general well being of the Trestle and Railway.

 

[Paul M]

Yes an edge. You might also consider something to stop stock from falling off.

 

[Rhinochugger]

You need to watch a bit of Clint Eastwood (I think it was 'The Outlaw Josie Wales') - you gotta have an edge

 

[Riograndad]

Yep edge is better.

 

[GAP]

Yes an edge. You might also consider something to stop stock from falling off.

I am thinking about some sort of railing at the back so a walkway would not look out of place there.
I am starting to like the edge look as well.
I also have had a suggestion of putting check rails on the bridge to hopefully stop my rolling stock from swan diving to the ground.
I did spend a large amount of time making sure the rails are level across the bent tops to hopefully prevent toppling due to uneven track, I do not want my pride and joy, a Bachmann 3 truck Shay with hand built logging cars, swan diving into the dirt below.

 

[Paul M]

If you want an 'edge, hawthorn is good

 

[PhilP]

If you want an 'edge, hawthorn is good

Shouldn't that be:
"If you want an 'edge, 'awthorn is good."?


I would consider (though I do not have to do it!) crosspieces under the deck, with a walkway (and fence) to one side, and a 'lighter construction to the front??
Would be more worried about light cars, being blown off by a gust, than the loco.. But if the cars go, I suppose there is a pretty good chance the loco would at least topple?

 

[Paul M]

If you want an 'edge, 'awthorn is good."?

That predictive text is a thorn in me side

 

[Andrew Foster]

A lot of North American trestles look terrifying to me, with no edge at all. I like the kind with cross timbers much longer than normal sleepers, with a walkway and handrail, though they are a lot of extra work. The attached picture shows part of one such attempt.

 

[stockers]

The old western trestles had a fairly small guard timber bolted to the ends of the ties (sleepers).

 

[GAP]

The trestle is finished and has been tested numerous times, the track across it is pretty close to perfect.
I was so paranoid about trains dropping off that the rail at every attachment point was checked using a spirit level, a crosswise and lengthwise both before and after securing, any imperfection was corrected before the next one was done.
I added a walkway and a safety rail on the side furthest from the front where there is a huge drop to the ground, closer to the front there is scenery that will catch a falling train but it is still a drop.
As far as gusts of wind blowing off trains, the trestle is in a corner bounded by a couple 2 metre fences that has vegetation growing up behind it forming a wind break of sorts, at least at the side furthest from the front (where the walkway is in a catching position).
Pictures, a description of the build of the trestle and completion of stage 1 of the layout can be found on my Blog

About the Railway

The Ringbalin Light Railway consists of two layouts the "Mainline" and the "Cane Line" that operate independently of each other but do conne...

ringbalin-light-railway.blogspot.com

 

[PhilP]

The attached picture shows part of one such attempt.

That is a thing of beauty, and look's to have been a labour of love!

Thank you for posting.

 

[beavercreek]

When I did my trestle bridge I made a track bed to go on top and to be wider than the track. It was pretty simple but a bit fiddly, that was all.
Mine was on a curve, but one for a straight section would be even easier to knock up...it does end up looking pretty prototypical as well.
I used 5mm hardwood strip dip-soaked in 5 star Cuprinol, Titebond glue and copper tacks into predrilled holes.

 

[GAP]

That is a thing of beauty, and look's to have been a labour of love!

Thank you for posting.

It was built to be a focal point of the railway hence the amount of time I spent on building it.
I built in the "prototypical" way, whatever that is, (my railway is the only one of its type therefore it is a prototype is it not?) in that I made it up at the site it was being installed in with engineering changes being made to fit.