How Do You Build A Model Bridge Out Of Manila Folders?
• Design your bridge. Use real-life bridges for design ideas. Determine the gap you need to span, how wide the bridge needs to be, and how much you need to clear your rolling stock. At each joint between two members use a gusset plate. • Draw it out on graph paper, because you will use your drawing to lay out the pieces later. Take care to determine which structural members will carry the most weight, either via tension (the bottom) or compression (the top) and make those wider than others that might not necessarily carry as much weight. Vertical member can be half as wide as horizontal members, and diagonal members can be two parallel vertical strips. • Count out and draw an appropriate number of members on an opened up file folder. You will be making a cardboard tube for each member. Remember to double the number for two trusses. Make sure to have 5 sides, 4 plus a gluing flap. • Cut out and mark the dimensions on each piece. Use a ballpoint pen to draw the fold lines, and press hard
