Frenchman River Model Works HO 1:87 Scale Pontoon Float Bridge Manual

Frenchman River Model Works Pontoon Float Bridge
Glue completed winches to the top of
the girder where the rivets are
missing. The large hand wheel
should be on the inside and your
angles should match. Refer to
photos.
Installation Instructions
When installing your float bridge
Ÿ
keep in mind that your track height
should match the rail on the bridge.
Using a #6 Right hand Switch
(Turnout), mark and cut to match
the double rails on the left side of
the bridge as looking at it from the land side. Since dimensions can vary from
manufacturer to manufacturer it is best to hold your switch over the bridge and
visually line up the rails to determine where to cut. Once you have marked the
rails on your switch it is best to cut them a little long and then trim them to exact
length. A jeweler's saw works well to make the initial cuts.
The final cuts can be made with a rail nipper. The goal is to trim the rails so all 4
Ÿ
ends match creating a smooth transition. Refer to Fig 2 and 3
Due to the fluctuations in casting thicknesses you may need to shim up one side
Ÿ
of the other of your carfloat to get it to match the rail height on the bridge. Check
these heights before gluing anything down.
Final Details
• Using the supplied rope, attach one end of a piece of
rope to a pulley, wind it a few times and "tie off" to the
corner cleat of the carfloat. Cut another piece of rope and
tie it to another pulley, wind it around the drum a few time
and "tie off" to the bridge hook on the carfloat. Repeat on
the other side.
Please note: This Float Bridge is designed to match up
Ÿ
with Frenchman River Model Works 3 Track Carfloat Kit as
well as the 2 Track Station Float Kit. We do not guarantee
compatibility with any other kit manufacturer's carfloats,
however, if need be, you may be able to slightly adjust the
ends of the rail to match a different manufacturer's carfloat.
Thank you for purchasing this kit. We hope you enjoy building and displaying this Float
Bridge as much as we have enjoyed producing it. If you have any questions or
comments, please email us at: frenchmanriver@gmail.com
below.
Made in the USA
Frenchman River Model Works
Langdon, ND 58249
(701) 256-2129
www.frenchmanriver.com
Frenchman River Model Works reserves the right to change or alter this kit without prior
notice. This kit, its contents, and its packaging are all ©opyright protected.
© 2013 & 2024 James and Anna Cleveland
Fig 3
or send a letter to the address
PO Box 86
Model Works
HO 1:87 Scale
Pontoon Float Bridge
This kit represents a through girder pontoon type float bridge
commonly used in many locations around New York Harbor. The
land end of the bridge rested on pivoting bridge shoes allowing the
water end of the bridge to rise and fall with the tide. The pontoon
that the outer end of the bridge floated on could also be raised and
lowered using water pumped into or out of it as ballast. This would
allow the crew to adjust the bridge to match the floating height of
the carfloat. The crew would use the winches to align and draw
together the carfloat with the bridge. Once aligned the toggle bars
would be extended from the bridge through the toggle pockets on
the bow of the carfloat locking them together to facilitate loading or
unloading rail cars.
Cautions
• Kit contains small and/or sharp parts
NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 14!
• Always wear your safety glasses when you are working with CA glues and
when cutting, shaping, or snipping parts and when painting.
• Also use adequate ventilation when working with glue or paint.