Building Cement Bridge Abutments on a Garden Railroad - The Bridge Over the River Why?

The final parts needed to finish the wood truss bridge are the two cement bridge abutments carved to look like field stone walls. These actually support the truss from both ends, as some of the 1:20.3 scale weigh as much as 50 pounds, support and strength are critical. The abutments are made by spreading mortar mix over cement board with wire lath reinforcement. Color is added to the mortar mix, painted with dilute exterior latex house paint. "Mortar" is added to the gaps between the "stones" using Rockite cement patching mix. Minor adjustments are made to ensure the truss is level left to right and at the proper grade to match the 4% grade on the "high line" above. the mine tipple. #modelrailroad #gardenrailroad #railway #outdoorrailroad