Walthers Cornerstone HO Scale Through Plate-Girder Bridge Kit - 933-2948

Walthers Cornerstone HO Scale Through Plate-Girder Bridge Kit - 933-2948 adds a versatile railroad crossing to an HO scale main line, branch line, industrial district, or yard. Based on one of the most common North American railroad bridge designs, the kit can be assembled for either single- or double-track operation. Each completed span is 6" (15.2cm) long, and the modular design allows additional kits to be combined for a wider or longer crossing. Browse the complete Walthers Cornerstone model railroad buildings and structures collection for additional HO scale projects.

Through plate-girder bridges were developed for relatively short crossings where strength, economical construction, and a low structural profile were important. Large steel plates and structural sections were riveted together to create girders along both sides of the track. Unlike a deck-girder bridge, the track passes between the principal girders rather than above them. Railroads used this adaptable design across streams, streets, drainage channels, cuts, and other short gaps.

Build a Single- or Double-Track HO Scale Bridge

The Walthers Cornerstone Through Plate-Girder Bridge offers several configuration and expansion options for new or existing layouts:

• HO scale through plate-girder railroad bridge kit
• Based on a common North American railroad bridge design
• Suitable for steam-, diesel-, and modern-era layouts
• Includes components for two complete bridge spans
• Can be assembled as a single- or double-track crossing
• Each span measures 6" (15.2cm) long
• Represents bridges commonly used for relatively short crossings
• Track passes between the plate girders
• Authentic rivets and additional structural details
• Parts molded in dark-gray plastic
• Part of the Walthers Cornerstone Engineered Bridge System
• Compatible with system bridge piers and abutments, sold separately
• Designed for use with Walthers Code 83 Bridge Track or other suitable model railroad track, sold separately
• Multiple kits can be combined to create a wider or longer bridge
• Suitable for installation in new scenery or adaptation to an existing layout

A single-track arrangement works well on a branch line, industrial lead, or secondary main line. The double-track configuration can carry a busier main line or provide parallel railroad routes across a road or waterway. Because the kit supplies two spans, modelers can also incorporate a center pier to create a longer single-track crossing.

The bridge can be installed above a narrow river, drainage channel, roadway, or shallow ravine. Concrete or stone-style abutments, bridge piers, retaining walls, riprap, and surrounding terrain can help integrate the structure into the scene. Weathering the girders with faded paint, rust streaks, grime, and water stains can suggest years of railroad service.

Additional kits provide further flexibility for broader rights-of-way or longer obstacles. Matching components can be arranged side by side for extra tracks or end to end with suitable intermediate supports, allowing the bridge to grow with the layout's operating requirements.

Develop Your Walthers Cornerstone Railroad Scene

The Through Plate-Girder Bridge fits naturally with Walthers Cornerstone railroad structures when developing a main line, branch line, or operating terminal. Nearby towers, depots, and other right-of-way buildings can be selected from Walthers Cornerstone trackside structures.

Bridge approaches, retaining walls, utility components, and other smaller scenic elements are available in Walthers Cornerstone accessories and details.

For assembling and finishing the Through Plate-Girder Bridge, browse Fusion Scale Hobbies' model railroad and hobby paint for steel colors, faded finishes, rust, and weathering effects, along with model building glue and adhesives suitable for plastic bridge projects.