Thoughts on Walthers N Scale Double Track Bridge Kit

[ChessieFan]

 Let Me Say I am new to the Model railroading. I started in this Hobby after the Kids moved out of the House.  So I am process of Building a N Scale layout and in need of a double track bridge. After doing some research I am considering purchasing the Walthers N Scale Double track truss bridge Kit.  I am looking or asking anyone can they give thought or first knowledge about this Bridge kit.

 Does the Kit allow Code 80 atlas track to mounted to bridge or do I have construct my own bridge deck with hand laid track?  Does the kit come already painted? I so many more questions to ask, but I wanted to keep this subject post short and wait for replies to this subject.

  I would greatly appreciate any information that can be provided to Me.

Thank You

 

[diezmon]

I have one, which i modified a bit.  It was very easy to assemble.   It's a nice kit.

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[tehachapifan]

Wow! I also built one skewed!

Yes, if it's the same kit I purchased several years ago (mine says 933-3242), you can lay any track across it as it has girders/beams that run lengthwise under where the tracks go. Mine came in dark grey plastic that looks OK, but I'll probably paint mine at some point.

Here's a pic of mine installed, although I bashed it into a skewed bridge to fit in this location (the kit doesn't include a skewed build option). I have Peco code 80 flex track running over it, although bridge track with guard rails would probably be more appropriate....

[diezmon]

Wow! I also built one skewed!

ha!  It's better skewed   

I even have a write-up somewhere that I'd intended to send to one of the magazines.  I never got around to that

[tehachapifan]

They also look like we bashed them exactly the same way! I guess there's really only one way you could do them, if you want it to line it up with how the top cross bracing is arranged, but still! Maybe I got inspiration from yours....it's been a LONG time.

[diezmon]

it's like we built them together.   

[tehachapifan]

it's like we built them together.   

Like all the Devil's Tower models in Close Encounters. "Yeah, I've got one in my living room."

[diezmon]

Like all the Devil's Tower models in Close Encounters. "Yeah, I've got one in my living room."

love that line

[thomasjmdavis]

Excellent choice.
Overall, I think bridges are one of the things Walthers does very well.  (Mark that well, I said something nice about Walthers N scale, doesn't happen all that often).

I built this kit for a layout I constructed around 1995.  And kept it.  It will have a place on the new layout that I swear I will get started on someday. Some care required in assembly to keep glue spots to a minimum, but easy enough to put together, and, well, it just looks like a railroad bridge.  Several people who saw it on my layout were sure that I was modeling some scene they knew, because "that looks just like the bridge at _____." 

I did use code 80 flex on it in 1995- I had no issues.  Acquired some ME code 55 bridge track to use on the next installation. 

The only caveat I can think of is that the clearances are pretty realistic- it is not a "snap track" bridge, so avoid those cramped trackplans that have "9 inch radius curve, straight bridge section, 9 inch radius curve" situations.  Personally, while I am aware that there are curved bridges, and curved bridge approaches, on real railroads, most bridges look and operate better if there is a straight approach and exit equal to the length of the longest locomotive or car likely to operate over the bridge.

[peteski]

love that line

I love that movie!  I saw it again when it was re-released to movie theaters couple of years ago - it needs to be seen on the big screen, and heard on the theater's sound system (especially the bass notes from the giant spaceship). 

[bman]

I built one years ago for my layout. I thought it was a decent kit to build and was happy with it. Wound up dismantling that layout for a move. I saved the bridge and it's installed on our club layout and gets quite a work out. Kato makes a similar bridge all ready built up for their Unitrack product line. The track is held on with small screws and easily removed if need be and other brand of track used.. I'm planning an extension of my current layout using 2or 3 of them with Atlas Code 55 flex track.

[diezmon]

I love that movie!  I saw it again when it was re-released to movie theaters couple of years ago - it needs to be seen on the big screen, and heard on the theater's sound system (especially the bass notes from the giant spaceship). 

hell yes.  one of my all-time favorite movies.  The scene of building the tower in his house alone is worth watching it   

[mplsjct]

It’s a good kit, easy to build and to Walthers credit, they actually lengthened what was a smaller HO kit (3 trusses on the HO kit to 4 on the N scale).

The one area I wish they had done differently is the top bracing and horizontal members as you look at the bridge at its entry point, the bracing is kind of lacy, where as prototypes tend to have more substantial members and bracing. (at least they do around where I live).

[Big4Man]

This particular bridge specimen still exists in the wild! Although one track has been removed.... Walthers claims to have modeled this bridge after the former NYC double track Truss style bridge over the Wabash River in downtown Lafayette, IN.


Google Earth can get you up close using street view!

IMHO, this Walthers offering is the best available out there in double track and affordable plastic.

[basementcalling]

Good kit. Visually impactful. Easy to assemble. Looks great if you paint it one color, mist with water, then spray bomb a contrasting color over the top while the water droplets are still on the plastic. Easy way to get a rusted or weathered effect.

Overall one of the best Walthers offerings in N scale.