Concrete Arch Bridge... Help.

[marty w.]

Hi all,
I have been messing around with the design of a concrete arch bridge for about 5 weeks. Any books I have found about bridges have very lightly touch on the subject and with few pic's.
Anyway , I took my idea's and built this bridge, see attached.
It's not done, it still needs concrete form marks, painting and maybe a handrail.
Well tell me the truth, don't hold back, want do you think?
Does it look right?
Anything missing?
Thanks for you help.
Marty

 

[marty w.]

OH.... It will span a river and that's a 40' boxcar for size ref.
Marty

 

[Edavillenut]

looks good to me. just gave me an idea for my layout. the big Pink foam river bridge has been in place of where i want to put a bridge, but cant find one i like.

 

[Tyson Rayles]

Other than the river is missing it looks great to me!

 

[Drew1125]

That's a classic design, & a very nice piece of workmanship, Marty!
How did you make it?
Wood? Plaster? Is it a trimmed down tunnel portal?
Now all you need is some water, & scenery, & that will be an oustanding scene!

 

[alkcnw]

The only thing I see missing are a few cracks!

 

[Vic]

Looks like a winner to me Simple and classic.

 

[marty w.]

Thanks for the remarks. I'll finish it without changing the design. Yeah, I'll add some cracks.

Charlie- I made it out of styrene, .060" and .080" sheet. I thought it would be faster than building a mold for plaster. I used a ellipse shaped dish for a pattern for the arch.

Thanks guy's.
Marty

 

[t. alexander]

Marty, the bridge looks great.
I know your frustration in finding good "how'd they build that" info. I myself am suprised at the lack of information on the internet.
I have a book called The American Railway, in it is a chapter dedicated to bridges and another to engineering feats. It was first printed in 1889 I believe and has good illustrations of bridges under construction.

t.

 

[t. alexander]

Marty, looking at the bridge again, I wonder if adding another piece of styrene to the face of the arch area where the keystone blocks would be on a stone arch might help give it "definition" if that makes sense.

t.

 

[Gary Pfeil]

That's a fine looking bridge Marty. An Erie berk will look nice going over it. Good job.

Gary

 

[Matt Probst]

Excellent job Marty. Can't wait to see the finished, detailed end result!!

Matt--Hershey, Pa.

 

[shamus]

Marty, thats a hell of a nice bridge, I can just picture the river wandering through it, make a nice photo for photo contests later on.

Shamus

 

[marty w.]

t. alexander,
I know what you mean about the "keystone" arch area.
I have been considering adding that. It would add character to the bridge.
That's why I posted this, to get idea's.
Shamus - You are right, hope to have this area done by contest time.
Thanks again to all,
Marty

 

[rockislandmike]

I even checked my Model Railroading "Bridges & Trestles" book, and yep, you're right, only passing thoughts on the arched bridges. I was at one point gonna construct a viaduct, and same - I had to search around the inet for photos of same before I started coming up with plans.

 

[marty w.]

Mike,
Checkout the "Bridge and Trestle Handbook" by Paul Mallery.
This book has more details on viaducts and arch bridges.
Not many pic's. but helpful info on design.
Marty

 

[spitfire]

Marty
Real nice job. Only thing I'd add would be some kind of railing.