Trout Brook Bridge - Official Work Thread

[Ira Schreiber]

Wayne RIPS another one.

[Alex Harvilchuck]

Why not just have a model at the Trout Brook station and explain it there during the layover. It can be interactive and show the science behind the bridge.

If we start showcasing the science behind the railway we can go after new foundation funding sources instead of just coming from a historical angle.

I think we want to keep people from being too close to the bridge on an active rail line. There are lots of opportunities for injuries.

[Alex Harvilchuck]

"In that case, it would make sense to provide a removable panel so tour guides can show the truss structure."

And mosquito repellant!

don't forget the tick repellant!

[Ed Lecuyer]

The existing Trout Brook Preserve trail comes to within sight of the bridge's North embankment. I think the kiosk should be located there (but not obstructing photography of the bridge) and include, among its information, a notice to not trespass onto the bridge itself. A couple of period "no trespassing" signs on the north end of the bridge would also be appropriate.

Moreover, since the approach trestle will also be on the north side, assuming that does not have sides and/or a walkway, that alone will discourage many trespassers. Of course, that also limits our access to the bridge if we want to give tours when it is safe to do so.

[Wayne Laepple]

Perhaps at the bottom of the embankment on the preserve's parking lot side?

[Stephen Piwowarski]

I would think that the point at which the stop will be located would be a good location for the trail to cross the railway and for the interpretive kiosk. If this is too far from the bridge site, locate the kiosk further down and direct visitors from the stop to the kiosk

[Benjamin Campbell]

Super cool news about the bridge!

I have a collection of original handwritten B&MRR divisional bridge and culvert notebooks and found the following about the Moose River Bridge.

It seems to be referred to as both bridge number 262 and 1085, was 2/10 of a mile east of Gorham and was called a PONY HOWE TRUSS. It states that it had a 39’ 6” clear span with a 46’ overall length and was 20’ from the base of the rails to the ground. It gives a measurement of 17’ 11” c to c trusses.

A construction date of 1892 is given which is just about perfect for our history. “Cast iron blocks put in in 1896”. “Trusses boarded up”. “6 new HP(hard pine) floor beams, ties & guards new in 1905”. “5 10” x 16” floor beams renewed in 1914”. “Rebuild 1918”.

I took several photographs of the pages but don’t know how to resize them fit here. I can email them to someone who can resize them and add them to this discussion if they like.

[Benjamin Campbell]

I may have jumped the gun with my above post. The B&MRR records state that the bridge was "rebuilt" in 1918. Other online sources would seem to suggest that it was replaced in 1918 rather than "rebuilt" . If it was in fact replaced rather than rebuilt the data I supplied above pertains to our bridges predecessor rather than our bridge

[John Kokas]

I would surmise that the wood truss beams and cross-members were replaced in 1918.  I would venture to guess that the iron rods and castings are from the original structure.  So one could say its of 19th-early 20th century construction.  Time period still works for me.

[Bob Holmes]

Whatever the history, it's all worth preserving...

[Mike Fox]

I believe that based on my research, the bridge replaced the original structure at that location.

[Alex Harvilchuck]

So I have a burning question. If we are going to use "Moose Brook" bridge to span Trout Brook, does that mean the bridge should be re-named "Moose Trout Brook" bridge? Is this like a Jackalope?

I'd hate to meet a Moose Trout in a dark alley unless I had a skillet and some lemon. mmmm....

[Bill Baskerville]

Make that a big skillet and a lot of lemons.  Mooses are big animals.  Or is that meeses?

[Ed Lecuyer]

Here's something you should know...
The plural of moose is moose.
The plural of trout is trout.

So, if we got 2 bridges, they would be collectively known as the Moose Trout Brook Bridge.

[Bill Baskerville]

Ed,

I guess that is a better than response than the moderator sending me to the whimsy and tomfoolery listing.

Bill