Central Valley Bridge

[John]

I was digging in the kit box last weekend, and noticed I had a 150' central valley bridge. This thing is a bear to put together, and I managed to mangle some of the parts (the diagonal cross members), so I replaced those with .60x60 square styrene .. also used styrene rod rather than the black thread.

Painting consisted of a coat of gray rustoleum primer, then flat black rattle can.  Next, using a small brush, I stenciled burnt umber and black craft paint on the entire thing .. hopefully to simulate a weathered and old rust .. I will streak it some with red/orange chalk a little later.  Thought I would post a little progress shot .. I'm not a weathering god, and have been accused of weathering with sludge (Mellow Mike) ..  I kind of like it ..  a couple of quick cell snaps .. what say ye .. be gentile .. [ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[Philip H]

I'd say it looks really good. @tom mann will no doubt have a few creative additions to suggest but honestly if you want a bridge nearing its repaint date I'd say you are close.

[tom mann]

Yeah I think some orangy-red chalk will look great.  A three paintbrush effort for sure.

[John]

A three paintbrush effort for sure.

ROFLMAO

It actually looks a little better without the spot light shining on it .. good enough for the layout ..

this was my inspiration ..

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I like it. Where's it going?

[C855B]

... Where's it going?

From one side to the other.

Coincidentally, I discovered I had one of these CV bridges last night while going through a stash of scenery supplies. I must have picked it up on a pilgrimage to Caboose Hobbies a while back. I need to get another but with the high portal option to model a specific scene that pairs slightly dissimilar truss bridges on the Santa Fe north of Cajon. They'll get a hit of flat black but probably not much weathering - stuff doesn't rust (or does so very slowly) in the SoCal desert.

[John]

I like it. Where's it going?

I'm putting it on the upper level -- where that current deck girder bridge is .. 

kind of this effect