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DIY Model Railroad Bridge

Model train bridges that go over the track can be used as a pedestrian bridge or to span a gorge or another area of your layout. The bridge design can be based off many styles, such as a trestle bridge. The bridge will require supports and a bed for the track. This can be done by using both wood dowels and Balsa. You can find all of the materials for this project at a local hobby store.

Things You'll Need

Ruler
1/2-inch wood dowels
Hand saw
Sandpaper
1/2-inch Balsa
Pencil
Wood glue

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the width, height and length of the bridge with the tape measure. For example, the dimensions you can use for your model train bridge may be 8 inches long and 6 inches high.
- 2
  Measure a 1/2-inch wood dowel to 6 inches with the ruler. Cut the dowel with the hand saw. Sand the cut ends smooth with the sandpaper.
- 3
  Measure and cut six 1/2-inch by 4-inch pieces of Balsa
- 4
  Apply wood glue to one end of the two 6-inch dowels. Place these two pieces on each end of one piece of the 1/2-inch by 4-inch Balsa you cut in Step 3. Repeat this step with the remaining 6-inch dowels to make two frame sections
- 5
  Measure and cut two 1/2-inch by 8-inch pieces of Balsa. Make a mark 1 inch from each end by using a the pencil. Glue the top frame sections to these pieces on the pencil mark with wood glue.
- 6
  Measure and cut the two 1/2-inch by 4-inch pieces remaining from Step 3 into two 2-inch pieces. Cut a 45-degree angle on the end of each piece. Glue these pieces to the bottom section of the frame to each side of the frame. You will now have the completed model bridge frame.
- 7
  Measure and cut 16 1/2-inch by 4-inch pieces of Balsa.
- 8
  Apply a bead of wood glue along the length of the two 1/2-inch by 8-inch sections of the frame. Set the 1/2-inch by 4-inch pieces along the top of the bridge frame to make the bed.

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