N Scale Architect - 10200 - Structure, Viaduct - Bridges and Piers

Specific Item Information: The Ogden Creek Viaduct was inspired by the numerous reinforced concrete bridges and viaducts that are found along the “Lackawanna Cut-Off”. This engineering marvel is a nearly flat and straight right-of-way that extends from Scranton, PA to Hoboken, NJ. It was built by the Lackawanna Railroad in the early 1900’s and portions of it are still in use today by Conrail (aka., NS or CSX). In order to keep this right-of-way level and straight, tons of fill and numerous bridges were used to span the roads and valleys along it. These bridges were built in an ornate yet functional “neo-classical” style that was made famous by the Lackawanna Railroad. This kit is available as a base kit designed to reach the edges of the valley or ravine and an Expansion Kit (#10300) that allows for infinite lengthening of this span. Expands up to four(4) tracks wide. Each Base Kit includes two(2) small columns, two(2) large columns, two(2) angled arches, a middle arch and a fully supported ballasted deck. Overall dimensions are: H:4 1/2″ X W:2″ X L:8″. See diagram for more detailed dimensions.

Road Name History: Bridges and Piers are an important component of transportation.

A bridge is a structure built to span physical obstacles without closing the way underneath such as a body of water, valley, or road, for the purpose of providing passage over the obstacle, usually something that can be detrimental to cross otherwise. There are many different designs that each serve a particular purpose and apply to different situations. Designs of bridges vary depending on the function of the bridge, the nature of the terrain where the bridge is constructed and anchored, the material used to make it, and the funds available to build it.

Brand/Importer Information: The N Scale Architect was founded in 1991 by Russ Kaufman who has been active in model railroading since the early 1970s. Although many model railroaders received a Lionel Train as their first train set, Russ and his brother Bill were bitten by the model railroad bug in the form of an Aurora N-Scale set.

Russ started The N Scale Architect based on the encouragement of fellow modelers who thought that the plans he had drawn up for scratch building over the years might be enjoyed by others in kit form. The first kits featured detailed step-by-step instructions with hand drawn illustrations and plastic templates to be used for cutting the various pieces. This tradition of high quality instructions continues with the addition of "in-process" and color photos and, thanks to better computer aided programs, more detailed drawings. These templates have been replaced with laser-cut micro-plywood pieces along with the addition of many detailing castings which are now also available separately as part of their "Making A Scene" product line.