Building a Model Railroad Bridge into an Existing Scene
MRA EditorsDescription
Building a new model railroad landscape feature into an existing scene can present a difficult challenge for any modeler, but it can also be a fun little task if you know what you want to install and how to use the proper technique to make the new component fit properly. One such feature that can be added to a scene after the fact is a model railroad bridge. Bridges are ideal for breaking up a scene and adding both realism and visual appeal to your model, and they can easily be built into an existing scene using basic tools and scrap materials. In this lesson, modeler Doug Hodgdon teaches you how to build a model railroad bridge using simple modeling methods, a saber saw, and spare parts you have lying around the shop.
How to build a model railroad bridge into an existing landscape
To help you figure out the best course of action for creating space for an eye-popping model railroad bridge into a layout you’ve already constructed, Doug walks you through his expert step-by-step bridge-building process. He talks about his favorite method for cutting away the currently standing track supports to make room for a model railroad bridge, and shows you how to create a support skeleton for the bridge using profile board and screen wire.
Once you’ve determined that you want to add a model railroad bridge to your landscape, the next step in the process is cutting away track to make way for the bridge’s span. Doug demonstrates the best technique for doing so using his saber saw, then shows you how the finished product should look after you’ve laid down the base for your new model railroad bridge. You’ll see that while it’s made from random parts, Doug’s scratch-built model railroad bridge appears brand new as if he picked it up the hobby shop.
Another way to add realism to your model railroad is with bridges on a real railroad bridges follow the natural slopes, and curves of the landscape. However, on many layouts modelers make the landscape fit the bridge. Lets look at the more realistic way to add a bridge to the scene by modifying the bridge structure to fit an existing scene. For this bridge installation I'm using a long piece of sub-roadbed. That will actually span where the bridges going to go to retain continuity of the grade. I put in risers on both ends. That are actually set to meet the end of the bridge. The risers will end be used as a backer for the bridge above us as they go into the layout. At this point now, I drawn my lines on the sub-roadbed and I can cut that bridge section out using my Sabre saw. Now I have cut the openings for the installation of the bridge and I installed this profile board that will actually be the support for the steel bent and the bridge. I centered it between the bridge openings. The screen wire will come down to the low level here and come up this way and be stapled down to here along with the hot glue. So, that we have a firm support for the bridge work. I really enjoy scratch building bridges and the fun thing for me is to build a bridge into an existing contour of scenery. As of course, the real railroad bridge would be built. I've decided that I was going to build a two-span deck girder bridge using a setter steel-bent and this is an example of the type of bent that I had started out with and as you can see it's much taller than the bottom of the opening. I built this two-span deck girder bridge using parts for my junk box. It has atlas girders, plastic deck from an unknown source, and a steel bent that a comes from a plasticville o-gauge signal bridge kit. I've extended the rails beyond the end of the bridge to ensure that we don't have any sort of a bump. Now, the legs on this benter is a slight bit long So, I use my nipper. To trim them off just a bit. [Clip Noises] [Clip Noises] [Clip Noises] So that the bridge fits perfectly. From this point on many super details can be applied. Detailed bridge abutments, bridge shoes, guard-rail across the bridge, the hand rail across the walkway, and many more shrubs, and trees, rock out cropping, and finally balanced roadbed. With a little bit of thought, and effort you too can build a realistic bridge scene into your layout.
Share tips, start a discussion or ask other students a question. If you have a question for the instructor, please click here.
Already a member? Sign in
No Responses to “Building a Model Railroad Bridge into an Existing Scene”