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How to Build a Model Truss

A truss is a type of support bridge often used because of its strength and ability to handle a large weight load. It is often used for passenger vehicle bridges but also for railroad bridges. The truss is made of triangular supports that are not only strong but have a striking geometric aesthetic. Model trusses are used for model railroad tracks as well. They can be built to scale like the model trains that ride over them.

Things You'll Need

Graph paper
Pencil
1/8-inch wooden dowels
1/16-inch wooden dowels
Wood glue
Wood clamps
Small saw or knife
Masking tape

Instructions

- 1
  Draw out your model bridge on the graph paper. If you wish, you can make the truss drawn to scale. For example, a 1:12 scale means one square on your graph paper is one inch in real life.
- 2
  Mark a 1/8-inch dowel at the spot where you need to cut it. This will form part of the base of the bridge. Mark off the second piece of the base the same way.
- 3
  Cut the dowel on the marks using the saw or knife. Do this carefully, as the dowels are thin and can snap or begin to shred at the cut spot if not done right.
- 4
  Measure a 1/16-inch dowel and mark it where it needs to be cut. There should be one piece marked for each side of the triangles forming the trusses on your graph paper.
- 5
  Glue the trusses together using the wood glue. If you are having trouble getting the pieces to stick together, use a small piece of masking tape to secure pieces together until the glue dries. Gently remove the tape when the glue is dried and the pieces will remain intact.
- 6
  Glue the dried trusses to the base dowels to complete the bridge. Allow ample drying time and use masking tape again if you are having trouble keeping pieces together while they dry.

Model Railroads