GME: GNOME MINIATURE ENGINEERING: Custom bridges

Bridges for G scale, O scale, and larger scale model railways

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GARDEN RAILWAY BRIDGES: Gnome Miniature Engineering structures are hand built from laser cut, brake formed parts, and assembled by traditional solid riveting. They capture the proportions of full size bridges, but are multi-scale working structures for small railways rather than exact scale models. The design and construction allow us to build custom bridges to your own requirements at a reasonable cost where standard parts can be used.

Our standard bridges are built for year round operation outdoors, so corrosion resistant materials are used throughout. They are ready to use, painted or unpainted, except for the construction of the bridge piers and installation of the track by the customer. They can be used with track from 16.5mm gauge for 0n30 to 63.5mm for Gauge 3.

G SCALE BRIDGES: plate girder bridges and underslung trusses for G and larger scales.

O SCALE BRIDGES: plate girders, through and underslung trusses, and operating bascules.

SPECIAL STRUCTURES We are now working on specials to be used for displaying model locomotives up to 1:8 scale, 7 1/4 inch (184 mm) gauge, and will be building the heavier versions in mild steel - more information coming soon.

EDUCATIONAL MODEL STRUCTURES: All truss bridges are available as educational models to demonstrate the principles and properties of pin jointed structures. These will normally be supplied without paint finish or decks. Material and section data will be made available.

The catalogue number (TR32 etc) indicates the type and length of the bridge deck in inches. For prices, availability, installation drawings and enquiries about custom designs,
please contact us at gme@bell.net

Updated on 9th March 2012 - post edited
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25 February 2011

Custom bridges

The quickest and most economical approach to a custom design is to base it on standard parts. Send us an e-mail or call to discuss your ideas and requirements. A request for something you don't see in the illustrations will sometimes lead to a new product that will be of general interest.
The picture below shows a 'special' built for a large 0n30 railway, using mostly modified standard parts.

The present maximum lengths are 36 inches (914 mm) for single plate girders and 42 inches (1,067 mm) for trusses.

Curved masonry viaducts have been common for centuries, but there was rarely such a thing as a horizontally curved steel bridge until the development of modern welded box girder highway bridges. Most bridges that appear to be curved consist of a series of straight sections, and this is what we do when we are asked to build a curved bridge. For a sharply curved bridge, the girders will be trapezoidal in plan, as in the example shown here: