Timber trestles are used to support track work over uneven terrain, or across dry riverbeds. The upper section called the deck accommodates LGB brand sectional track (decks to accommodate other brands can also be ordered). The track is simply dropped in, locating the plastic ties between the wooden deck ties. The vertical trestle supports called bents are spaced approximately 6 inches apart. The horizontal wooden members joining the bents are called grits. Our trestles are modular and can be joined end to end to form continuous lengths of curved or straight sections.

STRAIGHT TRESTLES

Our standard pre assembled straight trestles come in 4 track section (LGB #1000) lengths. We can supply custom lengths, as well as including special track sections like the LGB 1015U, etc.

CURVED TRESTLES

Curved trestles are constructed similarly as the straight trestles. Our standard radius are as follows:

BENTS

Our standard bent height on our trestles is 10½ inch. Optional bent sizes are as follows:

Bent spacing is normally on approximately 6-inch centers. However, if cost is a consideration, bents over 18 inch in height can be spaced to 12 inch on center. Spacing shorter bents could also be done, but tends to look skimpy. Custom bent heights or spacing is also available, just ask. We recommend that the ends of bents be buried about 1 to 2 inches. It is usually easier to order a trestle with all the bents one height, and then just bury bents deeper as the terrain changes instead of trying to guess the individual bent heights. If cutting is required just use a fine tooth hacksaw or clip off with side cutting pliers.

PARTIALLY ASSEMBLED TRESTLES

Trestles with bents longer than 12 inches cannot be shipped assembled. This means that the deck will be fully assembled and the bents will be fully assembled, but will not be joined to the deck. We supply instructions to nail the bents to the deck with 4 nails each, and assemble the grits with 2 nails each.

Alternately, if you wish to assemble the bents yourself we can ship them un-attached and save you a few dollars.

TRESTLE ACCESSORIES

Abutments are` used to retain earth and support the end of trestles. Several alternatives are available:

1. Terminate against firm soil, a brick, block, rock or other stable feature on your right a way.
2. Retain loose soil with a retaining wall. (See retaining walls)
3. Retain loose soil with a timber abutment. (See abutments)
4. Retain loose soil with a cast abutment. (See abutments)

FOOTINGS

For riverbed applications, use a cast footing. On a real railroad trestle footings are used in soft soil and in riverbeds to prevent the erosion of the bent as swift water flows by. (See footings)

JOIN WITH OTHER BRIDGES

We can join any of our bridge products to straight or curved trestles. We usually do this by using a wider, double bent at the joint. Just call us.