Go for it

I would think that smaller branches would have timber trestles for sure.

Look at it this way, there are timber pile trestles in service on main routes of class one railroads even today.  So if a main route can have a timber trestle in 2012, I see no reason why a branch couldn't have one in 1950.

........

Wood trestles are being used today.

Sounds good to me!

I just happen to be looking at a picture, dated 1955 of a 2-6-6-2 Mallet and two two bay coal hoppers crossing a combination plate girder and wooden pile trestle, so I'd say, yeah!

George

wood trestle

While researching trestles for my layout I came across a picture on Railpictures.net. Search for a photographer named miningcamper and scroll down to picture # 398497.

Tom

Here is the link http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=398497&nseq=4

Not a Problem

Wood trestle

This was an all wood trestle until about 15 years ago.  The bents are actually still wood.  They have been wrapped and the wraping covered with concrete.  It is located on the Union Pacific main line, at Marysville CA. (about 40 miles north of Roseville, CA)

I've seen a wooden trestle in

I've seen a wooden trestle in WV on CSX. I would guess the tonnage ratings would restrict trains though as the particular bridge I recall looked to have a bit of age.

Recent Evidence!

Common Rob

You can't putstuff like that out there and not start a separate thread on this, especially if you have pictures to share!

Steve

Re: Steve

I don't have any photos of my own of the Toledo branch. I drove most of the length of the branch, but it was pouring rain and I didn't chance upon a train, just the mass of chip racks all over Toledo and some flats and centerbeams at Philomath and Corvallis. All those trestles were cool to see though.

Follow the Eddyville-Blodgett Highway (labeled as Nashville Road, Summit Highway and Route 180 on Google maps) and check street view at the various road crossings for scenes like this:

Or this: