This bridge is based on one previously owned by the
Denver & Rio Grande, and currently owned by the
Durango & Silverton Railroad at Hermosa Creek, Colo-
rado. Like all of Lone Star's wooden bridges, this one
is made to an exceptionally high standard, in mahogany
hand-rubbed with marine grade teak oil. All metal parts
are either white-metal castings or brass rods and fast-
eners, and all are blackened. All joinery borders on ab-
solute perfection, and many of the nuts and bolts are
set into countersunk holes.
The cast pedestal blocks, against which the cross-
timbers bear, are keyed into the top and bottom chords
of the bridge to prevent shifting. Deck timbers are
spaced to allow the ties on an LGB tie strip to drop be-
tween them. Those wishing more accuracy might want
to lay stringers across the deck and lay track on that.
Top and bottom chords of the bridge, and end cross
braces, appear to be made of multiple thicknesses of
wood. In fact, they are made of heavy single pieces
that are scored to represent individual timbers. All con-
nections are mechanical, reinforced with glue where
appropriate. All brad and screw holes have been filled
with matching filler and sanded smooth. These are
nearly unnoticeable. The bridge measures 36" long x
9.15" wide x 7.75" high. In 1:20 scale this works out to
61' long x 15.5' wide x 13' high.
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and we found them so irresistable that we use them
on our own Catatonk Log & Lumber Company.
Sometimes I think that's why Mark sends us so
many bridges to review, because he knows we'll
send him back a check instead of returning the
bridge!
At steam-ups held here at Paradise East and every-
where we go where there are bridges installed on the
railway you can easily tell where the bridges are
without even looking for them. Just look for the
places where the folks with 35mm cameras and
video cameras are bunched up looking for a photo
opportunity.
The Hermosa Creek Pony Truss bridge is based on
a bridge currently owned by the Durango & Silver-
ton RR at Hermosa, Colorado and previously owned
by the D&RGW. Like other wood bridges in the
Lone Star lineup, this one is made of hand rubbed
mahogany with a marine grade teak oil finish.
The bridge measures 36" long x 7.75" high x
9.15" wide. Lone Star notes that it is built to 1:20
scale, but it would fit in with any of the popular
large scales used outdoors or indoors, for that
matter.
Workmanship and fit & finish is furniture quality.
Deck timbers are spaced so that LGB sectional
track will drop right in. All metal parts (brass and
white metal) are chemically blackened, and the
bridge comes assembled and ready to install.
This bridge, like all the products we've seen from
Lone Star, is excellent in every way and would be a
great asset to your railway.
* * * * * *
issue of Steam in the Garden and was written by
Ron Brown
Nothing adds interest to a railway, ground level or ele-
vated, like a bridge. And nobody builds bridges like