Phase 2 begins!

[DKS]

I'd have to toss in my vote for a bridge configuration that maintains a smooth curve. You could always do a John Allen and just put a plywood span there until you've built the "ideal" bridge.

[wm3798]

The committee has spaketh.  As soon as I tie up a few loose ends work wise, and my wife spirits the chilluns away to the pool, I'll have a closer look.  I think four spans will make the turn nicely, I just have to figure out how to make all that concrete look good to hold them up....

So, what do you think of the bendy storage tracks in Thomas?  I like 'em.  I think I'm going to run a stream along one side starting up behind the sawmill, crossing under the tracks next to the Thomas depot (which in reality sat partially on a bridge) then along the front edge of the storage tracks and down to drain into Wills Creek somewhere.  I'm also thinking I might have room for a 2-lane highway to work it's way through the big river valley, too, not sure where it will end up, though.

Lee

[sizemore]

The committee has spaketh.  As soon as I tie up a few loose ends work wise, and my wife spirits the chilluns away to the pool, I'll have a closer look.  I think four spans will make the turn nicely, I just have to figure out how to make all that concrete look good to hold them up....

So, what do you think of the bendy storage tracks in Thomas?  I like 'em.  I think I'm going to run a stream along one side starting up behind the sawmill, crossing under the tracks next to the Thomas depot (which in reality sat partially on a bridge) then along the front edge of the storage tracks and down to drain into Wills Creek somewhere.  I'm also thinking I might have room for a 2-lane highway to work it's way through the big river valley, too, not sure where it will end up, though.

Lee

If it was me I'd stick to a purely mechanical operation (trucks, tractors and equipment). Even with the scene-block, you've already got a water source in the scene even though it's 6" below.

The S.

[seusscaboose]

I'd have to toss in my vote for a bridge configuration that maintains a smooth curve. You could always do a John Allen and just put a plywood span there until you've built the "ideal" bridge.

exactly

[DKS]

As I see it you are probably looking for a cross between this:

http://www.wmwestsub.com/wmwestsubintro.jpg

and this:

http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=qsdk8q8qymxk&scene=18204459&lvl=2&sty=o

The latter is a really nice deep deck truss that's also wide enough for a curve. Time to get creative.

[wm3798]

It'll work.  It won't be a consistent flowing curve, but the 21" for the curved turnout east of the bridge is already flattening it out there.  It can run 21 (at the turnout) to 15 to the abutment, then back to about 21 around most of the bridge, to 16 where it hits the other abutment and into the first switch at Thomas.  It can work with a 40' deck plate girder, two roughly 65' girders, then two 40's to cross the maybe highway and hit the Thomas abutment.  Three concrete piers and a steel pier on the Thomas end should do the trick.  Might even make the abutments and piers "double track"... even though that was a Connellsville line thing.  Having wider piers will make it look more like Ohiopyle's high bridge, which appears to have had a gentle curve to it.





I'm okay with that...

Lee

[sizemore]

Lee

That is the hotness.

But I do lobby for a smooth curve 15"-16" curve throughout.

The S.

[asciibaron]

the high bridge over MD 550 is curved, has concrete supports, and is all WM.

[davefoxx]

This is exactly what I had in mind for this bridge.  You get a prototypical excuse to model a tall WM bridge, the concrete piers will a snap for you to build, and headroom underneath the deck girder will be no problem for the Connellsville Sub line.  Me likey.

I haven't decided whether I like the consistent radius curve or multi-radiused.  At first glance, I would think that the model bridge built on the maximum feasible curvature would look better (e.g., 21" radius).  If true, then a couple of sharper sections around the curved turnout and the bridge shouldn't hurt too much.  The 15" radius sections in the midst of the 21" sections certainly shouldn't cause operational problems, and I wonder if most people wouldn't even be able to pick it up by eye if not informed.  I say lay it out with flextrack and see what you think.

DFF

[wm3798]

Steve, I actually had that one very much in mind.  (It's between Thurmont and Sabillasville for those of you who haven't studied).  It's got the rounded off piers, as I recall.  The damn Bing Maps has a photo tile "seam" right over it though, so I can't get a clear shot to see how curvaceous it is.  I've been under that thing a million times, but I've never had a chance to pull over to shoot it. (there's nowhere to do so since they put up all the damn guardrails...)

I have in mind what I think I can make it look like, so no worries.  Here's a look at the curve I'm ending up with ...



From top to bottom, 2 shorts, 2 longs and a short!

[sizemore]

Steve, I actually had that one very much in mind.  (It's between Thurmont and Sabillasville for those of you who haven't studied).  It's got the rounded off piers, as I recall.  The damn Bing Maps has a photo tile "seam" right over it though, so I can't get a clear shot to see how curvaceous it is.  I've been under that thing a million times, but I've never had a chance to pull over to shoot it. (there's nowhere to do so since they put up all the damn guardrails...)

I have in mind what I think I can make it look like, so no worries.  Here's a look at the curve I'm ending up with ...



From top to bottom, 2 shorts, 2 longs and a short!

Same bridge I was thinking about too. And that curve looks goooooooood!

(insert Caddy Shack happy-gopher dance here),
The S.

[wm3798]

I'll be cutting up some bridge flex before the sun goes down.  Jiggity!

(reprise of happy gopher dance)

I can now re-purpose the deck truss back to the Narrows where it belongs!!  There will be trains in Elkins tonight!

Lee

[asciibaron]

here's the curved piers

http://www.railpictures.net/images/d1/4/9/5/9495.1126522800.jpg

[wm3798]

Thanks for that, Steve... I'm thinking the Ohiopyle piers will be easier to pull off in styrene, and a little more "westernlines" appropriate, even if they are in the wrong state!

An hour left before I'm off the clock!

Lee

[DKS]

I predict you now have the layout's centerpiece scene in the works. Given its drama and its smack-dab-in-the-middle location, it ought to stop new visitors in their tracks. Casselman Crossing may be taking a distant second place as the model railfan hotspot.