Model Railway Forum

Hi

I have the need for a footbridge on the platforms of my new layout. But platform spacing across twin tracks is less than many bridges allow for!

I have order the Ratio Footbridge item 548. I'm wondering if anyone has built this kit and if so, what do they consider the chances of reducing its width are? I need 155mm centre line between each set of stairs.

Brian, I’m not sure of the measurements - would removing one full panel give you the correct overall width?
If it does try removing the panels I have marked in red as this will maintain the strength and symmetry of the model.
If that takes out too much then it’s a bit trickier but could be achieved by taking out part of each end panel on both end stage of the bridge, marked in blue.
You’ll need a sharp blade though!

I did the opposite on my layout by extending an old Hornby footbridge........given that these are really low cost kits, it is sometimes worth buying two which enables you to make the cuts where you need to, whilst still retaining intact the really critical parts that are required for strength and stability, ie where the stairs transition to the footbridge.......hope this helps.

Hi all and thanks for the replies.

The Ratio kit arrived in this mornings post and my fears of having to hack sections off the lattice sides have been removed, as all lattice sides are supplied in 25mm long sections that are glued together. So reducing the bridges length is easy. The only parts that will need cutting down in length are the main decking walkway and the main roof section. Phew!

Hope it didn’t give you sleepless nights Brian.

Brian wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 2:26 pm Hi all and thanks for the replies.

The Ratio kit arrived in this mornings post and my fears of having to hack sections off the lattice sides have been removed, as all lattice sides are supplied in 25mm long sections that are glued together. So reducing the bridges length is easy. The only parts that will need cutting down in length are the main decking walkway and the main roof section. Phew!

That doesn’t count as ‘proper’ modelling.

Very handy to know though - I will need to extend a kit to span three tracks on my layout, and that construction method could be a godsend.

I’m sure you’d have made a good job of it what ever was required Brian.

Hi Steve
The Ratio 548 kit comes with additional lattice sides, roof sections and walkway to extend the span to a 6 panel lattice span.
According to the instruction sheet five lattice panels is 180mm between columns while a six lattice span is 205mm.
I will need a four section lattice span by the looks of things.

That’s even better. Knowing my luck I will need seven.

I’m sure Brian will sell you the left over bits Steve.