Black Bear Z Scale Trestle Kits

Black Bear Construction Co., Inc.
Trestle and Bridge Building Supplies for the Model Railroader

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Z Scale Kits and Jigs

Trestle Kits

Black Bear Construction Co. Kits

All Black Bear kits come with a laser cut acrylic construction jig that is designed to last a lifetime. Complete drawings and instructions are included with the jig. The construction materials are packaged separately so you can build as many bridges as you want without having to purchase another construction jig. Just in case you live next to a lumber mill, you can purchase the construction jig (including drawings and instructions) by itself.

Choosing a Timber Bridge

The trestle bridge was always the preferred bridge because it is the cheapest and easiest to build.

The Howe Truss Bridge revolutionized timber bridge construction. It's structural integrity makes efficient use of wood's ability to withstand compressive stress. It is characterized by heavy members that lean inward. These inward leaning members and top chord carry compression. The vertical members (typically iron rods) and bottom chord carry tension. The outward leaning members aren't actually needed in static situations. However, the dynamic loading applied by a moving train makes them necessary. Just about every timber bridge built after the Civil War is a Howe Truss Bridge.

The deck bridge is the best choice if flooding or height makes a trestle impractical. A deck bridge puts all the structure under the rails where it won't get hit by a train.

If the clearance is insufficient (flowing water or track crossing underneath) a truss bridge is required. A pony truss has short side panels and can span up to 80 feet. A through-truss bridge (like Midwest Products' Fox River Bridge, below) can span up to 150 feet.

The Black Bear Arch Bridge is a "back woods" design that might have been common in the 1800's.