Design and Construction

Most of our bridges are aimed at the British narrow gauge scene although there are clearly similar bridges to be seen across the globe. The  bridges are distinctly freelance in design and are not meant to be representations of particular bridges either full size or miniature. As far as possible however, we continue to look out for suitable full size prototypes on which to base future designs. The general dimensions and construction methods make the models well suited for the outdoor line in a range of gauges and scales, SM32, 16mmNG, 0 Gauge, Gauge 1, G Scale and possibly Gauge 3.
​Our bridges are carefully constructed using several different aluminium sections: T section, angle, channel, sheet and bar.  They offer more in terms of quality, finish, character and strength than others supplied via the internet

Each bridge is individually made by hand. It is supplied in its bare metal state and can be left to weather naturally or you can prime and paint it. Note we don't supply it highly polished! It bears minor scratches and scuffs from the process of construction which certainly do not detract from the appearance of the bridge.
Longitudinal plates are placed at a suitable distance to support 32mm and 45mm gauge track. The bridge does not include any decking but you could easily add your own wooden planking or a zinc diamond pattern grid. The length of the bridge allows it to be supported by the end 10-20mm of the beams.
The galvanised wire rails on some models are close to scale and are loosely threaded through the parapet posts. For this reason they will not be perfectly straight and in time will probably sag a little between the posts.
Bridges are supplied fully constructed as shown in the photos. Obviously the loco and track are shown for scale purposes only and are not included.

Curved bridges have arrived...

MVL Bridges is pleased to announce the addition of curved bridges to our range. These are available with the pony truss, inverted deck truss or the basic deck designs (shown below) and can be built for45mm, 32mm and even OO gauge. They can be built to accommodate radius three curves and shallower (including flexy track) and incorporate single, twin or even triple tracks. Longer bridges are built in sections and require stanchions of some sort under the section joins. (We're currently developing stanchions to supply with our bridges if required. Ask for details).

As with all the other bridges on this website, they are custom-built to your unique location, requirements and specifications.
If you have a requirement for a curved bridge then give Steve a call on 07771 966773 to discuss further.
THE CHOICE IS YOURS
Please note that the illustrations we use give just one example of a particular design. Our bridge designs are all custom-made and therefore available in different lengths, widths and heights. They can be for single or double tracks gauges in 32mm or 45mm. Parapet rails can be fitted to many of them and they can be supplied in bare aluminium or finished in a powder-coated colour of your choice. With so many variations to choose from, the choice is yours. 

On this page we have provided links to detailed descriptions of each bridge design and samples of our customers' projects.
UNDER BEAM BRIDGE
This is one of the simplest bridge structures. Over short spans the Under Beam Bridge is capable of taking a substantial load. 
The strength of the Under Beam Bridge lies in the two main inverted T section beams and we suggest that it is only suitable for spans up to 1 metre however the stainless steel parapet rail makes it an attractive yet economical bridge option.
THROUGH PLATE GIRDER BRIDGE
The Through Plate Girder Bridge is one of the most common bridge designs to be seen on railways throughout Britain. The model is highly suited for the outdoor line in a range of gauges and scales, SM32, 0 Gauge, Gauge 1, G Scale and possibly larger. The side structures of 1.5mm aluminium plate are framed in 3mm thick T section making this a very sturdy bridge capable of carrying a substantial load.
DECK PLATE GIRDER BRIDGE
Like its companion the Through Plate Girder, the Deck Plate Girder Bridge was for many years to be found throughout the British Isles within towns and cities and in more rural areas. With the modern redevelopment of town centres and the loss of many branch lines examples became redundant and have since been removed.
This design therefore is most appropriate for almost any railway scene. It is ideal for short crossings. The optional parapet rails help to complete its UK appearance.
THROUGH LATTICE GIRDER BRIDGE
Constructed to the same design as the Plate Girder Bridge, the Lattice Bridge uses a lattice grill in place of the steel plate. The lattice is perforated aluminium in a silver anodised finish.
DECK LATTICE GIRDER BRIDGE
Another interesting variation of the plate girder bridge with its lattice girder, the Deck Lattice can be enhanced with the addition of a parapet rail
PONY TRUSS GIRDER BRIDGE
Largely a development from the USA, the various forms of the truss bridge can be seen on railways throughout the world. Although the Through Truss is less common in the UK the lower Pony Truss design we have here is quite at home in the narrow gauge setting. The design follows full size practice based on the Pratt Truss configuration developed in 1844 with vertical members and diagonal sections that slope towards the centre. 
This is a very sturdy construction, well capable of carrying heavy locos over spans in excess of a metre. 
DECK TRUSS GIRDER BRIDGE
This is a further adaptation of the Truss Bridge which provides a particularly strong and effective structure over substantial spans. We can alter the main dimensions to suit the needs of your railway. There are many full size examples of the Deck Truss without parapets but for peace of mind parapet rails are offered as an additional option.
THROUGH TRUSS GIRDER BRIDGE
Following many requests for the full Through Pratt Truss Girder Bridge we are now including this in our range. Ideally suited for G Scale and standard scales O Gauge and Gauge 1 the headroom clearance can be specified when ordering. Due to the height of the Through Truss we only recommend this design for bridges in excess of 1000mm.
BOWSTRING GIRDER BRIDGE
The Bowstring Girder Bridge is one of the most popular bridges in our range no doubt reflecting the many examples to be found on railways in the UK. It is equally at home on both narrow and standard gauge lines. It is an attractive and sturdy structure which is suited for all lengths of single span as well as for multiple spans.
INVERTED 'DECK'
BOWSTRING BRIDGE
The Inverted or ‘Deck’ Bowstring Girder Bridge was added to our range when we discovered examples still in existence on the former Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith Railway (CK&PR). Although not specifically a narrow gauge bridge it provides a highly suitable design for the narrow gauge line, particularly with the addition of the optional parapet rails.
PONY ARCHED GIRDER BRIDGE
Whilst the general proportions of this arched girder bridge are similar to the Pony Truss Girder, the gently curving top beam gives the Pony Arch a less industrial appearance. The centre height is usually set around ¾ height of rolling stock.
UNDER ARCHED GIRDER BRIDGE
The Under Arched Girder Bridge is perhaps the most attractive design in our range. Unfortunately our illustration does not do the design justice. Like the Bowstring the arch consists of a series of straight segments producing a very gentle curve. The bridge is made particularly attractive when finished off with the optional parapet rails. 
The Under Arched Bridge looks most realistic when used in combination with viaduct pillars supplied by Cain Howley Structures.
THROUGH ARCHED GIRDER BRIDGE
The Through Arched Girder bridge is found throughout the world and is here offered for those who require a more substantial structure appropriate for G Scale and standard scale railways. The headroom clearance can be specified when ordering. This design is recommended only for bridges in excess of 1000mm.
BASIC BRIDGE DECK
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The Basic Bridge Deck is a simple but effective structure based on the Under Beam bridge but without the parapet rails. These can be used to span gaps up to 1000mm.
PLATE GIRDER
​TURNTABLE DECK
The Plate Girder Turntable Deck is a low sided structure complete with large diameter industrial quality, solid aluminium Lazy Susan type bearing fitted with stainless steel ball bearings. The ends of the turntable deck have rollers for support. The turntable deck will suit circles from 500mm to 1000mm 
BESPOKE PROJECTS
Many of the bridges we build are constructed to the customers' specific designs and dimensions. However we have also constructed a range of non-bridge projects. If you have a particular railway structure in mind feel free to discuss it with us. 
To see some of the more unusual items we have produced follow this link
BRIDGE STANCHIONS
All bridges require stanchions of some kind, either at each end of a deck/arch, or mid-way supporting multi sections or longer spans.
To complement our range of bridges, we've introduced stanchions made from light-weight building blocks. These are most realistic, highly durable and provide a substantial base on which to sit your bridge. All are custom-made to order. Call for more details.