Skip to main content

I started this bridge project two weeks ago.  Made from hardwood dowels, glued and screwed.  I am pleased with the woodworking portion, but perhaps I'm getting a little too cute with it.

I'm trying to add "bracing" all the wood junctions, for cosmetic effect.  I had a piece of aluminum trim cladding that I cut up and glued, well tried to glue, to the structure.  Not really satisfied with the results so far.

So I'm soliciting help from the forum and would appreciate any comments as to how best to dress this up.  In the meantime, I'm going to scrape off what I've done so far and ponder for a bit on another section of the railroad

20170622_16005320170622_16010520170622_16014020170622_16020020170622_160240

Attachments

Images (5)
  • 20170622_160053
  • 20170622_160105
  • 20170622_160140
  • 20170622_160200
  • 20170622_160240
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

I have built some craftsman kits that had gussets like you are doing.  I think it was very thin copper cut to size and supplied rivets.  The rivets kept the metal in place and looked great.  Now I remember it had a template for the shape and rivet placement.  Don't have a clue where to source the rivets, but I would think they are out there.  I could take a pic.  I still have the model.

Below is a picture of a 24-inch truss bridge with construction similar to yours that I scratch built. It is quite strong and has been in service on my model railroad for three years - often carrying heavy die-cast steam locomotives. All structural members, including the gusset plates, are basswood and assembled using only yellow carpenter's glue. The gusset plates are cut from 1/16-inch thick basswood and add significant strength and rigidity to the structure by tying multiple beams together. I did not think it was necessary to include rivets, but that certainly could be done. I think this approach should work for you.

MELGAR

MELGAR_TRUSS_BRIDGE_08MELGAR_2_WEAVER_B&M_280_2403_10 

Attachments

Images (2)
  • MELGAR_TRUSS_BRIDGE_08
  • MELGAR_2_WEAVER_B&M_280_2403_10

Hi Steve, I think you have a very nice looking bridge. Sometimes too good is no good. The most I would do with it is to add some rivet detail to the Fish Plates you made as joint braces.

I had some success with little drops of wood glue applied to the plates with the bridge laying on it's side. You don't wont the glue to run before it dries. But, a good hobby shop sells rivet detail that comes on brass strips. You can epoxy the strips on how you like. 

Other then that I would not touch it. Nice Job!

Add Reply

Post
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×