The trestles we build for our use place the bents 8" on centers. We feel this gives a more prototypical appearance. We like the appearance of 4x10 material for side cross bracing. On trestles 12" tall and taller, we also like the added detail of 8x8 girt material. Placement use of these items are shown on the plan sheets included with the bent kit. Each bent kit builds 2 bents. Also, look here at the tips page for trestles so you get an idea of the terminology used below and see what it was like to build the prototype for our first trestle kit.

1. Decide which bent kit will meet the maximum bent height for your trestle. This will be the bent kit you will buy. All our bent kits are based on 6" height increments for each bent bay. The plan for the tallest one you will need can be used to build the shorter ones as well. This way you will only pay for one plan and below is the info you need to order the rest of what you need to create a great trestle. The lumber is listed on the same page with trestle bents, so it's very easy to order everything you need.
2. Plan the height for all your other bents. Below is a material chart that shows how much 12x12 trackstringer material and 4x12 sway brace material is needed per bent.
3. Plan the total length of your trestle.
4. You will need to order 12x12 trackstringer material for your ties to sit on. It is sold in 24" lengths and every 24" section will require 5 pieces.
5. 8x8 girt material if you choose to use it will require 4 for every 24" section. You could do without it, but we really like the added detail. Remember it is only used on trestles 12" tall and taller.
6. Side bracing will require 1 24" length for each 8" wide 6" tall bay as the side braces are about 10" long. You will get 2 from each 24" length. Don't forget on side bracing you need it for each side of the trestle. So for each bay/section you need 2 pieces of side bracing.
7. Last thing is don't forget the very ends of your trestle. The part that is just a piece of 12x12 5" wide (instead of a bent) and allow for that and the extra track stringer material to get to it. Once your material list is finished, click here to go directly to the trestle bent page.

Curved Trestles

Curved trestles plan the same as a straight one. All parts should plan out well if you keep one simple thought in mind. Look at the proposed trestle from the top keeping the bents on 8" centers. That makes the inside and outside of the curve stringers and side braces shorter on the inside and longer on the outside of the curve. Here mathematics helps us out. One side balances out the other. You cut one outside and one inside part per length and always cut longer parts first then use the leftover for the shorter ones. What this means is you order the same amount of material for a curved trestles as you would for a straight one.

Thanks,

Mark & Sue Smith
Smith Pond Junction Railroad Products

Team@spjrr.com

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