Welcome to John Palecki Structures! Accurate railroad model bridge kits.

I AM WORKING ON THE CIMARRON BRIDGE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE NOW. I HAVE SOME OF
THE RESIN CASTING MASTERS IN HOUSE. SEE THE KIT PAGE FOR MORE.

WELCOME! Hello to everyone who came here via web searches and links. These pages hold the
latest and most accurate information. There are a few old cached pages around so please always
start with this page.

VELOCITY: I cast parts as I can to make complete kits. This is a part time project so patience is a
virtue for everyone involved. There are many castings in each kit, and it takes numerous cycles
through the mold boxes to create one kit. Plus the molds get worn out and need renewal every couple
of kits.

SCIENCE: My casting is going along very well these days. The use of a paintable coating on the
molds that has greatly extending the rubber life. The parts pop right out too. I have tested the finish
by gluing with AC adhesive and spraying with acrylic paint. Normally, acrylic paint will shrink back or
bullseye if there is any contamination. I had no trouble airbrushing heavy or light coats, nor did it
affect brush paints. The coating is not a greasy mold release but becomes part of the resin surface. I
am also using the latest in rapid prototyping for the casting master parts. The high-resolution
processes now available make great parts without the lengthy process of hand cutting styrene and
embossing a million rivets.

CASTING HOW-TO: If you are curious, I have posted my techniques in the Westlake Publishing
Finescale RR forum. Have a look to see the behind the scenes of what it takes to make bridge parts
repetitively. Forum link

GETTING ONE: I do not take any funds until your bridge is nearly ready because my schedule is quite
variable. Just email me with your inquiry and I will detail how the schedule looks and how to pay me. If
you seriously want one I'll add you to the spreadsheet. Please note I am full for now. Future order
delivery dates are more uncertain so I can work on the deck truss.

ASSEMBLY: Once you have one in your hands, I believe you will enjoy assembling the kit and will
appreciate the injected-plastic feel and appearance to the parts. ACC adhesive and simple hand
tools are all that are needed to create a great looking bridge. I attempt to make castings with as little
flash as possible so clean-up is minimal. It can be a bit repetitive- there are fourteen vertical post
beams all the same for example- but once you get a system it will go right along. Email if you have
questions.

NEXT BRIDGE: I have now set my CAD sights on the D&RGW deck truss bridge known as the
Cimarron Bridge in the Black Canyon. It is the same design as the Tacoma High Bridge on the
Silverton branch. It is about the same length as my current truss so will make another impressive
model in On3. I will post more about it in the coming months. I have a great disk of photos to reference
so it will look great.

NEXT NEXT BRIDGE: I have drawings of the Lobato and Cascade Creek trestles. They are made to
the same design. I have looked this over and decided it would make a great project. I hope to
streamline bridge production with the Cimarron bridge and maybe we'll see this one in good time.

Thanks for your interest in this project. Email me for more info or to express interest in obtaining a kit.
Check back for the latest news!

John Palecki