I am getting set to build a wood trestle. I will be using 1/2" square cedar for the project, but I am inb a slight quandary. I will, in all probability, use the type of bent with 4 support legs, two perpendicular to the top portion, and two angled out on the sides. I have a few dimensional questions. 1. How wide should the top support be? 2. How do I get the angle of the side supports (I want to build a jig for pop n pour construction)? 3. Do I need a base on the bottom of the bent where it rests on the ground? 4. Is a bed of crushed stone the best for the foundation for the bent? 5. I am planning on using Titebond III and a pin nailer, is this the best way? 6. I may want to try and build a double track trestle also, any suggestions on this? I really like the way these trestles look, but I want to make sure that if I build them, I want them built right. Needless to say, any suggestions, comments or pitfalls to avoid would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
I can check on a few of those dimensions for you. I'm also building a trestle right now...but 1:48 scale. A few things to note: the timbers for the bents were frequently 12"x12". The stringers were 8"x18" or 8"x24" for longer spans. The bent spacing was typically 15'-16'. Unlike many model trestles, real trestles weren't curved...they were straight panels joined together at angles, as it isn't all that easy to bend a real 8"x18" timber. The bent timbers were not continuous, they were only the height of each story. The angled bent timbers were frequently 2:12 or 3:12 angles. If you want to compromise on any of these details, that is your prerogative...but I wanted to make sure that you know so that you don't have a doh! moment after construction. The bottom of the lowest bent story would typically rest on a horizontal piece. The top story was frequently a little shorter than the other stories...say 16' vs. 20'. Double track trestles were very rare and your construction techniques are more limited. I would suggest a Howe Truss with the lower track running through it...but this would be a bit ridiculous. Among other problems, the lower locomotives would spew smoke up into any passenger cars traveling on the upper level.
Thank you Thank you for the information, I think I'm ready to start on this project, although a pending surgery may limit my work for a couple of months (no heavy lifting). These "Golden Years" seem more like the rust years, but, it does beat the alternative. Thank you again.
