Several cement blocks and paving stones already on hand were conveniently used for the base and ends. |
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
First Train Over New Trestle
With not a few screams and gasps, a passenger extra was the first to rumble across the line's new curved trestle, after a 3-day (6-8pm each night) installation process - and some massive mountain-moving. More landscaping will follow, but for now it really opens up that end of the yard again, without much of the former "earthen dam". Not sure how old this bridge is, purchased used last week, but in Flagstaff such wood should last awhile. A similar trestle (two years old) at Palmer Gulch is no worse for wear.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
First Curved Trestle Install Underway
Looks like a good fit! |
Thinking about geometry for a minute, one recalls that the circumference of a large circle is much longer than the "C" of a smaller circle embedded within in the larger one. No brainer there. Still, on the ground it was a revelation to realize that the veritable earthen dam I had created to raise that end of the railroad was much larger on its outer circumference than the right-of-way itself. I could therefore reclaim a lot of fill dirt for use elsewhere without having to truck new stuff in. The trestle will create a wonderful addition to that end of the layout, allow the ponderosa pine tree roots to breathe a little more, and a good amount of original real estate will surface again. Not sure when the final install will occur (either this week or at the end of July), but what a great use of a used trestle!
First day of work to move the earthen "dam". |
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