Enthusiasts of railroad engineering will enjoy this helpful, instruction episode, which details how to build and install bridges and abutments on a model train layout. Following the Canadian National prototype, this video focuses on a 70-foot single-track deck girder bridge and a 30-foot single-track through girder bridge.
Learn how to properly use a Walthers bridge abutment kit, including how to modify and assemble the abutments and wing walls to fit the terrain. The video also shares tips for cutting the subroadbed, ensuring proper height and alignment, and using adhesives to securely install your bridge components for a seamless and sturdy mainline just like we’ve built on our HO scale (1:87.1) East Troy Industrial Park project layout!
Be sure to keep up with the construction progress by linking into the Trains.com Workshop Webcam (available 24/7), and the full series of helpful, instructional videos rolling out every month until the effort concludes. Even then, the fun will continue in frequent Trains.com articles/updates and Model Railroader print features, beginning with the January 2026 issue. You won’t want to miss the Expert Tips and Techniques the crew will share with you along the way, as they have a bit of fun bringing the ETIP into fruition!
Six-in-one Tool: add track prying
Watching you cut and fit those bridge abutments brought back my PTSD from installing them on my layout. They must have been in and out 20 times to test fit. Of course to make things more difficult on myself, I decided to scratch build a trestle using old MR articles for that. It’s amazing how much information there is in some of those old articles.
Time to assemble the bridges. Coming along nicely the layout is almost complete.