GME: GNOME MINIATURE ENGINEERING: Bridge strength and stiffness

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 11th May 2012 - picture added
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15 February 2011

Bridge strength and stiffness

GME bridges are certainly quite light...

But they are strong...

The original design specification said there must be negligible deflection with a 25 lb (11 kg) locomotive at the middle of the longest span. The picture shows about 74 lb (34 kg) of bricks stacked at the middle of a TR42. We'll do some more scientific testing, but we feel your heaviest rolling stock will be safe!