The excellent nut/bolt/washer castings are crisp.
The only other metal parts, the truss rods and
triangular reinforcements at the top of the "A",
are of equal quality. Every aspect of the work-
manship is topnotch. Perfect countersinking where
appropriate, virtually seamless wood-to-wood
joints, every corner square and clean, each piece
mating precisely with every other, the end of every
timber exhibiting no splintering, rough grain, or
fuzz. Everything is perfectly smooth and the finish
of the wood surfaces would be as appropriate
to top quality furniture as to a museum model.
Lone Star even putties every nail or pin hole flush
with the wood surface so it is impossible to detect
a filling by touch and difficult to find with the eye.
The glue joints are invisible and the bridge is
strong and very weather resistant.
As we have pointed out numerous times, even
the custom foam packaging to protect the model
during shipment is a work of art.
Also, as we have mentioned previously the
perfection of Lone Star's work is obnoxious; it
leaves no room for criticism. Any review of a
Lone Star bridge sounds as though Mark paid
us off or as though we have lost our touch for
being picky. But neither is the case. In fact, we'll
even have to return our review sample by the 10
of September. It's just that Lone Star does an
amazingly excellent job.
The bridge is exactly 17.65" long, 8" across at
the widest point, and 8.25" tall at the apex of the
"A". An LGB track section will drop right into
place on the deck because of its widely spaced
ties but, if you prefer, Mark can build up the deck
with accurate scale spacing.
Time and again we have pointed out Lone Star's
prices seem fair considering the time it would
take to build such a bridge to reasonable standards
let alone to Mark's disgustingly high standards.
Few of us could match Mark's precision no matter
how long we worked. In this case, the bridge
seems almost a steal.
So, on the bottom line, if you like the bridge and
have the cash, buy it. The little gem is utterly
splendid.
* * * * * *
Garden Railways and was written by Marc Horovitz
Lone Star's small King Post Truss bridge is not an
exact scale model, but is patterned after a standard
gauge bridge that is still in use on the B&O Railroad.
In configuration the bridge is faithful to its type.
The model is constructed almost entirely of mahogany
and the surface finish is excellent. Joinery work is top
notch, which is almost a pity, as it will not be fully
appreciated when installed in the garden. The bridge
even has a pleasant smell about it.
All connections are mechanical, reinforced with glue.
Metal parts, including nut/bolt/washer and apex castings
from Bob Hartford, and brass truss rods are chemically
blackened. Ties on the bridge are spaced so that the ties
on a section of LGB track can be dropped between
them. All timber ends are perfectly square, and all brad
or screw holes, with the exception of those on the upper
deck, have been filled with matching filler. The structure
has been hand rubbed with marine grade teak oil.
Abutments must be provided by the owner. The bridge
measures: 17.65" long x 8" wide x 8.25" high. This
bridge is made to the exceptionally high standards that
we have come to expect from Lone Star
.
* * * * * *
1993 issue of Outdoor Railroader and was written
by Russ Reinberg
Unlike his last model of the D&RG's Hermosa Creek
Howe Truss, Lone Star Bridge's owner, Mark Smith,
has chosen a freelance design for the new king post
truss bridge. His idea was to produce a relatively in-
expensive, typical small narrow gauge bridge following
a standard gauge B&O prototype and using scale size
components; after all, many layouts only have room for
small models. As usual, Mark has succeeded admirably.
The king post truss lives up to Lone Star's ongoing
level of perfection. The model's primary material is very
high grade mahogany with a rich, satin, impregnated,
weather resistant finish. The white metal and brass
hardware has a satin black paint finish. The sole
exception is Lone Star's trademark polished brass star.