Manufacturer
ExactRail LLC
1053 South 1675 West
Orem, Utah 84058
www.exactrail.com
Era: 1920s to present
Comments: This assembled plastic model from ExactRail makes it easy to add a highly detailed deck plate girder bridge to an HO scale layout.
The bridge is 72 HO scale feet long. Other dimensions are correct for a bridge with an E-72 (or 72,000 pounds per axle) load rating. A bridge with this load rating would be appropriate for heavy mainline traffic.
The bridge doesn’t come with rails. This allows you to use the same size rail on the bridge as on other parts of your layout.
The model is available in an “early” or “late” version. The early version has simulated wood plank walkways and handrails. On the late version, the etched-metal walkways and cable handrails are standout details.
ExactRail offers the early version painted with Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; Denver & Rio Grande Western; and New York Central heralds. The late version comes painted with Canadian National, Norfolk Southern, or Union Pacific heralds or logos.
Both versions are available undecorated and as kits. A kit without walkways sells for $36.95.
ExactRail has made many highly detailed freight car models. This bridge shows that same attention to detail.
I didn’t know about this beautiful HO scale plate girder bridge (from ExactRail) when it first appeared in the May 2011 issue of Model Railroader. I wish I had known about it. I have 3 of the more expensive versions from Precision Brass Art Work in China, and they’re 100% brass. Two of the bridges are factory painted and the other is unpainted. The ExactRail model in the photo, above, looks terrific. But, I believe my brass versions look more realistic.