Garden Railways and was written by Richard Schafer
Mark Smith of Lone Star Bridge has introduced still
another beautiful and unique timber bridge. His Queen-Post
Truss Bridge is a high-quality product that fulfills all my
expectations of Lone Star. The bridge is constructed of
mahogany and is hand-rubbed with marine grade, teak-oil
finish. It is assembled with a combination of functional,
blackened brass hardware as well as nails (the nails are
countersunk, with their holes filled and finished). The 1:20
scale timbers are precisely sawn and cleanly finished, with
no fuzz or splintering to be seen. Nut-bolt-washer castings
are used for some non-functional details. A tasteful, polish-
ed brass star, the Lone Star logo is centered on the outside
of each of the top chords.
This bridge is not a scale model of any specific prototype.
Mark Smith calls it a "generic hybrid". The idea for it came
from a combination of sources: his Hermosa Creek pony
truss, a photo of a highway bridge, and interesting features
from other bridges.
Probably the most unusual feature of this structure is the
use of strutted timbers with working strap fittings and
hardware to make up the center-panel counters. The
intricate, functional strap fittings add an interesting detail
and alter the visual qualities of the bridge.
Deck timbers are spaced for drop-in installation of a piece
of LGB sectional track; a length of #10600 fits this bridge
perfectly. The bridge is 19.65" long, 9.15" wide, and 7.75"
tall.
* * * * * *
where appropiate, 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 ap- propriate to top quality furniture as to a museum
quality model. Disgusting.
flush with the wood surface so it is impossible
to detect a filling by touch and difficult to find it
with the eye. The glue joints are invisible and the
bridge is strong and very weather resistant. Re-
volting.
As we have pointed out numerous times, even
the custom foam packaging to protect the model
during shipping ia a work of art. Detestable.
Also, as we have mentioned previously, the
perfection of Lone Star's work is repulsive; 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. It's just that
Lone Star does an amazingly excellent job. We
hate Mark.
The bridge is exactly 19.65 inches long, 9.15
inches across at the widest point, and 7.50
inches tall (7.75 inches if you include the pro-
truding ends of the truss rods). An LGB track
section will drop right into place on the deck be-
cause of its widely spaced ties but, if you prefer,
Mark can build up the deck with accurate 1:20
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
quality 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. It has our highest rating. It is superb.
* * * * * *
Outdoor Railroader and was written by Russ Reinberg
Lone Star Bridge's owner, Mark Smith, has chosen a free-
lance design for the queenpost truss bridge. His idea was to
produce a relatively inexpensive, typical small narrow
gauge bridge, following a standard guage prototype, using
scale size componets; after all, many layouts only have
room for small models. As usual, Mark has succeeded ad-
mirably.
The queenpost truss lives up to Lone Star's ongoing level
of obnoxious perfection: The model's primary material is
very high grade mahogany with a rich, satin, impregnated,
weather resistant finish. The white metal and brass hard-
ware has a satin black paint finish; excluding the, Lone
Star trademark, polished brass star. The excellent nut-bolt-