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Bietschtalbrücke in scale 1 / 1
The structures along the BLS line always fascinate me, both as model railroader and construction engineer. I have built a BLS layout in 1999, based on BLS drawings, which had been exhibited in
Verkehrshaus in Luzern / Switzerland. I have produced together with Mr. Sven Olof Olofsson
/ ENTEC a number of specific BLS catenary poles, based on original drawings for this layout.
I always wanted to build the Bietschtalbrücke as model. This bridge is since a couple of years available as model from FALLER. Mr. Peter Donzé / Roundhouse - Zürich has asked me in
January 2002, if I could build this model for him, which has always been his dream. Happily, BLS has made available many bridge and catenary drawings, as well as colour pictures, which also was the case in 1999. In this place, I would like to thank to BLS and especially Mr. Martin Kocher / Director Power Supply for their support. This bridge is located in a curve between two tunnel portals. But, the FALLER model is a straight model. I have to realize during the construction phase, that the model was approximately 33% shortened. I, first of all, have to reconstruct the whole model, then shorten the all access structures, which are not part of the model, accordingly in order to achieve the complete harmony of the bridge on a 200 cm ( = l ) x 50 cm ( = w ) x 100 cm ( = h ) landscape. I have also built an additional pedestrian bridge, which is located on the southern site of the bridge. Happily, FALLER has made those parts, necessary to rebuild the model, available.
In order to build this model as realistic as possible, I and Mr. Olofsson have manufactured the cross span bridges with tensioning assembly in scale 1 / 87 by using the original drawings. Two such cross span bridges with tensioning assembly are installed on the bridge. This model was until now not available on the market. I think, we have succeeded well in manufacturing this complicated structure, which can be interesting for other model railroaders. The whole structure has been etched and welded.
The catenary poles are of 3 mm H-profiles. All cantilevers and other assemblies are etched of steel. The identical BLS insulators are made of plastic. I have used the so called 0,5 mm Profidraht / Sommerfeldt for the catenary.
Another special construction on this diaroma is the signal bridge. It has only one column, which is very unusual. I have built this signal bridge by using various etched steel parts and installed functional signals.
ROCO rails have been laid on this layout together with guard rails.
Tracks in the tunnels and on the access bridges are laid in ballast. All rail is painted in oxide colour.
Tunnel portals, retaining walls and tunnel lining are casted of gypsum.
I have glued foam sheets on a stabile wooden structure in order to shape the landscape, which has been then finalised by using fine sand and gypsum. Finally, micro foam in various colours has been used for the vegetation. The rock surface has been coloured by using pigment colours. I have also manufactured myself some part of the trees.
This layout has been built as a show piece, although it is fully functional and can be attached to other parts for running trains.
Fortunately, there is a big number of SBB and BLS rolling stock available from ROCO, so the layout can be enjoyed in full scale.
It is to the visitors of this home page to judge, whether all this work was worth.
Yalcin Barin / Stockholm |
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