How to Build a Model Train Bridge Over a Track

Making The Span

• 1

  Plan the site for the bridge on the model railway layout. Measure the distance the bridge will have to span, both at the top and on the slope down to the track, then draw an elevation of the space on paper; this can become the template for the bridge.

• 2

  Plan the width of the bridge; this will depend on whether it's going to be a road bridge or a bridge carrying trains. Cut plywood to size, to be determined by the length of the span where it will cross, and by the gauge of the railway layout. Cut a lip on the ends to fit neatly into the roadway already in the scenery.

• 3

  Cut a block of Styrofoam to fit under the bridge. Sculpt the sides so that it will attach to the hillsides on either end of the bridge, and make it the same width as the plywood you've cut. Glue in place on the plywood and dry fit the skeleton of the bridge in place, making adjustments to the sides as needed to ensure the top of the bridge is level.

• 4

  Place the bridge skeleton on a piece of foamcore. Draw around the bridge on the foamcore. Remove the skeleton. On the foamcore, add in the arch of the bridge, and increase the height above the bridge to make a small wall. Cut this out, then draw around it for the other side of the bridge and cut that out, too. Glue the two sides to the plywood and Styrofoam, ensuring that they are level with each other.

Completing The Bridge

• 5

  Cut two strips of foamcore, each the length and height of the wall above the bridge. Glue to the inside of the bridge to form a double thickness of wall.

• 6

  Lay the bridge structure on its side, and cut out the arch from the Styrofoam with a utility knife. Cut paper to fit the inside of the arch and glue in place over the Styrofoam.

• 7

  Fit the bridge in place to check, then apply glue to the Styrofoam where it meets the scenery on either side of the track. Leave to dry before decorating as you wish to fit in with the layout.