Through Truss Bridges... Atlas vs. CV vs. Plastruct?

[C855B]

It looks like I'm gonna need a bunch of truss bridges on the GC&W, and would appreciate a comparison of the available kits. I have a 150' CV kit still in the package and it looks like it will be nice. The Atlas Code 55 bridge comes in silver camelback style (roughly UP practice), albeit a bit short (133') for camelback. Then there's the Plastruct kit, which I have never seen.

I would appreciate feedback from anybody hands-on with any or all of these... or suggestions for others. Thanks!

[Scottl]

I have used both the Plastruct and CV kits.  They are basically the same shape but the former is rather crude and requires more work and fitting.  The CV kit has fine structure and almost makes itself- a few hours of work assembling.  Parts are available for kitbashing too.

[NARmike]

I'll second what Scottl said. The CV kit is excellent... quick, easy and produces a fine bridge. That being said, I have no experience with the other two. Kitbashing with the CV bridge is also quite simple.

 

Mike

[Scottl]

    Nice bridge.  Nice train...

[Puddington]

I have recently buolt the Atlas code 55 bridge; it goes together quite well and is a fine structure. Not as detailed as the CV, it nevertheless met my needs for the space I had and roughly lloked like a CPR structure near my area.

[Catt]

ATLAS does the single track camelback in N (I need a double track) Rokuhan does a double track in Z (I need singles) sometimes life just ain't fair.

[C855B]

Thanks, all. Good stuff. Johnathan, I have the luxury of needing nothing but single-track. The one scene I have with double-track is handled in the prototype by two single bridges, one slightly taller than the other. That immediately lends itself to using the taller CV version. Could have never planned it that way!

The CV bridge looks like the solution. I managed to latch on to a couple of the BLMA 200' camelbacks for a centerpiece scene, but there's no way I'm spreading that kind of [ouch!] around the whole layout.

[JSL]

CV are very nice kits.

[CoalPorter]

You could also consider the KATO truss bridge. With
some mod. work it can look great and it is very economical.

[pnolan48]

You might consider scratch building what you need with either plastic or brass parts. It's mostly repetitive work with a chopper or saw blade. I will admit that the parts can get very expensive--probably more than a kit. These were all scratch built:

[eja]

Brain fart here  ...  CV= ??

[C855B]

Central Valley.

[eja]

Doh  .... thanks

[jmlaboda]

Don't forget that TrainCat also offers a bridge or two...
http://www.traincat2.com/d_ilchester.htm

[PAL_Houston]

It looks like I'm gonna need a bunch of truss bridges on the GC&W, and would appreciate a comparison of the available kits. I have a 150' CV kit still in the package and it looks like it will be nice. The Atlas Code 55 bridge comes in silver camelback style (roughly UP practice), albeit a bit short (133') for camelback. Then there's the Plastruct kit, which I have never seen.

I would appreciate feedback from anybody hands-on with any or all of these... or suggestions for others. Thanks!

I have built both the CV and the Atlas.  The CV kit is better detailed, and now you can get it with the manwalk too....I need to get one to add to mine.   But I don't like the way they do the truss rods... I have a couple that have warped that I need to do something about.



 The Atlas goes together very easily.  I sectioned mine to use as a road bridge over the tracks at Savanna, (see right of following photo)




and to form the bridge approach (into the wall) at Galena Jct.