I recently started operating some new layouts.  I was overwhelmed when the builders started describing the sub-section of the railroad they modeled.  In my cases, the New Haven RR in New Haven and the Denver, Rio Grande & Western between Durango and Antonito.

Skillfully hand made / modified standards are the major attributes of the SMJ layout. It’s pure inspiration to see the layout and search for infinte number of details added to the scenery since the construction start 1938.

I have a question about how railroads handled line/telegraph poles at river crossings.

How would the lines be strung across a wider river? I have a CV Pratt Truss and it's about 21" long. It seems a long way to have the wires in free space if you put a pole on each bank of the river. Would they somehow mount them on the actual bridge?

oldline1

OK, so this is probably "old hat" to most, I know it's been around since before I was born but it's so easy to photo detail things that I thought I'd post it here. I always take pics of my pike construction anyway. The first picture is just the tools of the trade. WS latex rubber is easy enough for me to get at Hobby Lobby with the 40% off coupon so that's what I use though I'm sure there's other stuff out there. The rocks are plentiful here on my rural lot. I cleaned them up with a hose first and then came behind with a spray bottle and a toothbrush.