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How to Make Model Train Bridges With Polymer Clay

Model trains are an excellent hobby for the enthusiast. Not only do you get to enjoy the model trains, but you also have a great opportunity to build the landscape they traverse as they run along their tracks. Landscape features are available from hobby stores, but they are quite expensive. Make your own landscape features to save money and have a sense of pride in your model train terrain. Polymer clay is an excellent material for building features, especially model train bridges. It is easy to work with and can be fired in a home oven.

Things You'll Need

Polymer clay
Rolling pin
Knife
Model train track
Cookie sheet
Oven

Instructions

- 1
  Knead the polymer clay until it is soft and pliable. Roll it out on your work surface until it is 1/4 inch thick.
- 2
  Lay the model train track on top of the clay and use the knife to cut around it. This will form the base of your bridge. Leave a 1/4-inch gap on both sides of the track. Remove the model train track.
- 3
  Use the clay that you cut off around the track. Roll it into a long, thin 'snake.' You can do this by rolling the clay between your palm and your work surface. Continue to roll the clay back and forth until it is all the same size.
- 4
  Use the knife to cut the 'snake' into equally sized sections. The width of the 'snake' and the number of sections required depends entirely in the height and complexity of your bridge railing. There are an infinite number of designs from which you can choose.
- 5
  Press the cut clay segments together to form your bridge railing. Press the clay to the sides of the bridge at a 90-degree angle.
- 6
  Place your bridge on the cookie sheet carefully. Preheat the oven to between 275 and 315 degrees Fahrenheit (the temperature will vary with polymer clay brands). Check the package for the exact temperature required. Bake the bridge for 30 minutes for every 1/4-inch thickness.
- 7
  Turn off the oven and leave the oven door slightly ajar. Leave the bridge inside the oven to cool. Only remove the cookie tray when you are sure the clay has cooled completely. Your bridge is ready for installation.

Model Railroads