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How to Install a Model Railroad Bridge

For the serious model railroader, a sheet of plywood with track on top simply won't suffice. More interesting layouts will likely include various elevations, and some of these present a challenge of passage for a railroad. The obvious solution to cross rivers, lakes, gorges and highways is to install a bridge for the model trains to pass. A variety of bridges exist for the use of the prototype railroads, and adding one of these to your model railroad layout will give it another noteworthy feature.

Things You'll Need

  • Model railroad layout with gap to span
  • Model railroad bridge span or spans
  • Model railroad track
  • Bridge abutments
  • Bridge piers (if necessary)
  • Hobby adhesive
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Instructions

    • 1

      Add the bridge abutments. These go at each end of the gap to span, and they reach from the top of the railroad bed down to either the opposite end of the abutment or the highway, body of water or gorge. Secure these in place with hobby adhesive.

    • 2

      Install the bridge. If you have only one bridge section, then set it in place to rest on the two bridge abutments. For bridge spans that require multiple sections, place the bridge piers underneath where each section meets. Be sure to glue the bottom of the base of each bridge pier to the appropriate place underneath each joint.

    • 3

      Lay the track. Depending upon your bridge design, you will need first either to fish the track through the bridge, such as for a Warren truss, or simply lay the track in place, such as for a deck bridge. Be sure to use rail joiners to connect the track on the bridge between the track sections at either end of the bridge.


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