How Do You Build A Large Model-Railroad Bridge?
Building a large model-railroad bridge can be a complex undertaking, but it’s really not hard. First you need to come up with a design. A typical long bridge will be some kind of truss structure, since trusses are both lightweight and strong. Design the bridge. Assemble the parts you need. Generally, real railroads use steel for their truss bridges, but tiny steel beams (with tiny rivets or arc welders) aren’t practical. Use brass, wood or plastic structural parts for your model railroad bridge. Plastruct makes a whole range of structural parts out of styrene or ABS. Get a good miter box set so that you can cut the beams accurately and squarely. Make one or more assembly jigs if you can, because most truss bridges consist of repeated floor and truss “panels.” Get a supply of pushpins – these are good for holding things down. Trim and sand off burrs and other cut remnants. Paint your bridge and “weather” it (make it look old) after it’s built. Add the finishing touch by modeling the riv
