Rix overpass parts?

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S

Sarnia modeller

New Member
Hello:

I'm modelling two overpasses in HO. They would best be represented by the Rix Products 0111/0112 modern overpass due to the exposed concrete I-beams at the side, with the addition of the 0124 wrought iron railings. I assume the railings can be used on any Rix overpasses - if not, I don't see how they would be hard to install.

I already have two "early" 0102 overpasses with piers. The sides and railings are incorrect for what I want to model. However I notice Rix has 0105 "overpass beams". Are these the same as the I-beams in the centre of the overpass? If so, I can just correct my early overpasses by using these beams on the outside, omitting the odd cornice-type protuberances on the sides, and adding the wrought iron railings.

What about the deck? The early deck has large concrete squares. This is not what I usually see on prototypical modern overpasses, but I haven't closely seen the model.

Attached are photos of both overpasses. The Rix overpasses are really very close models, but I definitely need the exposed concrete I-beams on the side and the wrought iron railings.

I just want to know if I can re-use the early overpasses with some changing of parts for only a few dollars.

Thanks.
 
I beams are typically the same size, and numbered in accordance to the loading and width of the bridge. I would say that in your case (photos) that the middle composite beams (concrete with prestressed steel rods) are the same size. Some highway/municipalities make the outer beams slightly taller/lower as a safety precaution (they are 'lower' thus take the impact of overheight loads, saving the middle beams from damage...not a typical design of over rr bridges tho)

AFA railing types, they differ as the day is long. You'd probably never have anyone question your choice on your model rr.

Don't forget the expansion joints...its a pet-peeve of mine when layouts are devoid of bridge expansion joints, manhole covers, fire hydrants, catchbasins etc...The bread-and-butter of my career! 8)

SGS
Civil Engineering Technologist
 
Wow, thanks for the incredibly detailed response!

I feel kind of sheepish - what I meant was whether the extra I-beams (part 0105) are the same size as the kit I-beams in the centre of the bridge, i.e. whether I can just substitute them for the "early overpass" outside beams which are flat on the outside, not having a lip top and bottom.
 


The "I" in I beam. I see what your asking now...

Earlier bridges had poured in place concrete girders, and a cross section looked like a series of "W"s. They used alot more concrete that these prestressed I beams. Rix's products are probably hybrid to share parts between the 2 eras. You could use whatever you wanted for under the bridge, even evergreen styrene shapes...not many will look underneath to critique you.

I've made bridges on the layout using curtain rod painted concrete colour, you know the 'I' shaped rod with the little wheel loops that hold the curtains...good stand in and cheap for tons of it!

You're probably best to document your bridges to match on the layout, or choose the easier route and make a 'stand in' bridge.
 
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The Rix beam come with single side beams, so that the flush wall can be place outboard if you'd like.

And yes, the kit's components are interchangeable.
 
jbaakko said:
The Rix beam come with single side beams, so that the flush wall can be place outboard if you'd like.
Click to expand...

Ah - so they are just like the ones included in the "early" kit - flush on one side, I-beam shape on the other ("C" beam I guess).

In that case, I might as well flip the existing outside I-beam so it's flush on the inside. However, that will look funny if it's visible in cross-section or from underneath. Might as well go with the modern overpasses in that case.

Thanks.
 
Is it me or do those Rix overpasses seem a bit expensive for what you get in the box? They are like 30 bucks or something now arent they?
 
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