In past reviews we have pointed out the quality of
Lone Star's workmanship and materials is unsurpassed.
In our review of Lone Star's Hermosa Creek bridge, we
noted that when Mark's hardware varied from what ap-
peared on our plans, Mark was actually right and the
plan was wrong. Only in the case of size, number, and
placement of some nut-bolt-washer castings might
Lone Star stray from precise prototype practice and
then it will be intentional. Mark points out his larger
than scale NBW's look better, using fewer of them kee
keeps down the price, and changing their placement be-
comes necessary when he reduces their number. In the
case of an almost prototype bridge such potential dis-
crepancies may be incidental but, either way, they fall
into the category of artistic license and this bridge cert-
ainly a work of art.
The bridge does capture the overall appearence and
spirit of a full size counterpart and it seems unlikely
even a fastidious modeler would find much to criticize.
The wood has a rich, satin, impregnated, weather re-
sistant finish. The almost flat black finish on the metal
parts is paint. Only Lone Star's trademark, the polished
brass star, shows its natural color. The quality of the
NBW castings is excellent, as is that of all other metal
parts. Every aspect of the workmanship is topnotch.
The wood-to-metal joints are virtually seemless. Every
corner is square and clean; each piece mates precisely
with every other. The end of each timber exhibits no
smooth.
The finish of the wood surfaces seems more appro-
priate to top quality furniture than an outdoor model.
Lone Star still putties every nail or pin hole flush with
the wood surface. It is impossible to detect a filling
by touch and very difficult to find it with the eye.
The glue joints are invisible and, as we know from
reports over the years, the bridge is durable.
Even the custom foam packaging to protect the
model during shipping is a work of art.
In the past, I have found the perfection of Lone
Star's work to be throughly disgusting. Moreover, I
find my utter lack of criticism of of Mark's products
(including this bridge) unnerving and hideous. I hate
it when any manufacturer is able to impress me so
completely time after time. And, now that Lone Star
offers products so accurately reflecting either
specific prototypes or, as in this case, prototype
practice, I am ever more nonpulsed. Finally, consid-
ering the time it takes to build a product of such
obnoxiously outstanding quality, the price seems very
reasonable. Few of us could equal Mark's precision
and artistry no matter how much time we spend. I
despise anyone with such an abundance of talent.
Regrettably, then, I must bestow upon Lone Star's
Through Howe Truss bridge our highest praise: It is
superb.
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