Cheap Way To Build Your Own Bridge

Cheap Way To Build Your Own Bridge MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT Miscellaneous 21-6-8 "You'll can't find a lower cost bridge with this much capacity," says John Stolsig who sells "bridges" made of salvaged railroad flat cars. The idea is catching on so fast, the Lebanon, Ore.-based RFC company sells 50 to 60 flat cars a year for use as bridges, Stolsig says. "They're ideal for farms, ranches, golf courses, logging, irrigation districts, and much more," he says. The company strips used rail cars down to the frame, selling off parts such as wheel assemblies and air brakes. In most cases, cars are taken apart down to the steel superstructure which is then used for the bridge frame. RFC then delivers the superstructure, which can weigh as much as 50,000 lbs., to the customer either by flatbed or logging truck. The superstructures are then lifted onto new or existing abutments by a crane. Decks up to 14 ft. wide are built out of whatever material the customer chooses, such as pressure treated timbers. "Railroad car superstructures will last as long as nearly any conventional bridge," says Stolsig. Flat car bridges come in 40, 50, 60 and 89-ft. lengths. All have load capacities of well over 100,000 lbs. They sell for $5,000, $8,000, $9,000 and $15,000, respectively. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, RFC, P.O. Box 365, 101 Industrial Way, Lebanon, Ore. 97355 (ph 541 451-1275; fax 258-6444).

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