Author Topic: Z Scale girder bridge options  (Read 508 times)

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jargonlet

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Z Scale girder bridge options
« on: August 08, 2025, 12:05:48 PM »
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At some point in the next couple years I would like to build another z scale layout. I anticipate needing 3-4 bridge spans. Years ago I build one of the Micron Art deck box girder bridge kits. The bridge goes together quite nice and I enjoy building brass kits. Unfortunately Micron Art is no longer in business. The only other girder bridges I know of in z scale is the ones Traincat used to make and the rokuhan. Having never seen the rokuhan in person, I’m not sure the quality. Are there any other options on the market that I don’t know about? I had the thought of modifying the n scale Micro Engineering girder bridge but have not pursued that option yet
« Last Edit: August 08, 2025, 01:21:13 PM by jargonlet »

Rivet Miscounter

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Re: Z Scale girder bridge options
« Reply #1 on: August 08, 2025, 04:46:55 PM »
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Good question.

The Micro-Engineering would be a good option if it fits what you are wanting to do.

Other Options:
1. I don't consider the Rokuhan a great option.   It has an odd construction where the ends taper up from the bottom which looks odd to me.  I would call it "not-NA-proto" but I don't know that for sure, just not what I'm accustomed to seeing.   You could probably cut the tapered part off and make it look ok.
2. Sankei - they do laser-cardstock kits.   Again, not the best, but nice stand-ins as they are cheap.    And also I'm not sure they are still in business.
3. 3D-printing.   Probably the best option, but most of the options are harder to get sans Shapeways.   But if you can find something or know someone that can help, that would be the best possible scenario.

That's about all I got.  I'm sort of in the same boat, so definitely hope a good 3D printed option reveals itself.
Doug

ednadolski

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Re: Z Scale girder bridge options
« Reply #2 on: August 08, 2025, 04:57:09 PM »
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TrainCat and Micron were etched brass?   What did those look like?

jargonlet

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Re: Z Scale girder bridge options
« Reply #3 on: August 08, 2025, 05:14:34 PM »
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TrainCat and Micron were etched brass?   What did those look like?

The first two links are to the micron art and the last is the traincat.

http://www.zscalemonster.com/m_art/bridge/bridge.htm

http://www.zscalemonster.com/m_art/bridge/ma1085.jpg

https://www.traincat2.com/d_deckgirder1.htm

Chris333

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Re: Z Scale girder bridge options
« Reply #4 on: August 08, 2025, 05:38:09 PM »
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When I was in Z scale we just used N scale gondola sides for girder bridges.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/C9gtJz1xAaeeRqQUA
« Last Edit: August 08, 2025, 05:40:24 PM by Chris333 »

jargonlet

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Re: Z Scale girder bridge options
« Reply #5 on: August 08, 2025, 08:32:37 PM »
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When I was in Z scale we just used N scale gondola sides for girder bridges.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/C9gtJz1xAaeeRqQUA

That looks really good. That may be the solution. Didn’t know you did z at one point. Got any pictures of your layout?

Chris333

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Re: Z Scale girder bridge options
« Reply #6 on: August 08, 2025, 08:39:30 PM »
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