HO 1:87
Scale Pontoon Float Bridge
designed and produced by James & Anna Cleveland
This kit represents a through girder pontoon type float bridge commonly used in many locations around New York Harbor. The land end of the bridge rested on pivoting bridge shoes allowing the water end of the bridge to rise and fall with the tide. The pontoon that the outer end of the bridge floated on could also be raised and lowered using water pumped into or out of it as ballast. This would allow the crew to adjust the bridge to match the floating height of the carfloat. The crew would use the winches to align and draw together the carfloat with the bridge. Once aligned the toggle bars would be extended from the bridge through the toggle pockets on the bow of the carfloat locking them together to facilitate loading or unloading rail cars.
This design uses a gauntlet type track arrangement with the actual switch located on the land before the bridge. The included instructions show how to cut a standard #6 Switch to match up with the bridge rails. Please note that the switch and the rails are not included.
Kit consists of a one piece cast resin bridge with the girders cast in place. Highly detailed with rivets, wood planking and decking and toggle assemblies all cast in place as well as character to depict a bridge that has been in service for many years. Also included is a cast resin pontoon and cast resin bridge abutment with integral bridge shoes. Detailed winch assemblies including lead-free pewter winch drums and laser cut gears and hand wheels make this a super detailed foreground model you’ll be proud to display.
Please note:
- This kit does not come with rail as many modelers have their preference in rail size. Your rail preference can be easily glued in place. There are rail chair details in the casting to simulate a realistic installment. This bridge is compatible with code 100 or code 83, or with some slight modification even smaller rail.
- This Float Bridge is designed to match up with Frenchman River Model Works 3 Track Carfloat Kit as well as the 2 Track Station Float Kit. We built this kit according to the information we had and do not guarantee compatibility with other kit manufacturer’s carfloats.
Black and White Instructions are included in the kit
Approximate dimensions of the bridge, not including abutment and pontoon are:
9” Long
4.75” Wide
Girder Height is 1.175”
With the abutment and pontoon, the height from the “water” to the top of the rail is approximately .915”.
Additional items needed, but not supplied are a #6 right hand switch as well as rail of your choice.
Additional items shown in photo, but not included in kit are:
All available from Frenchman River Model Works.
