Building Bridges and Viaducts for Model Railways

Written by an acknowledged expert, this practical book is essential reading for all those railway modellers who wish to build a bridge or a viaduct for their layout. ? Contains in-depth descriptions and photographs of real-life bridges located around Britain (and one in New Zealand), ranging from the small to the monumental, from which the modeller can gain ideas and draw inspiration ? Describes, as an essential aid to modelling, the constituent parts of the bridges, the engineering principles that make them 'work' and the materials from which they are built ? Presents detailed, step-by-step instructions and photographs depicting the construction in plasticard of five models: a simple girder bridge; a truss-girder bridge; a masonry arch bridge; a plate-girder bridge; and a viaduct ? Covers prototype research, taking measurements, modelling materials and tools ? Examines the finishing process, including different ways of applying paint and weathering powders in order to make your model look authentic AUTHOR: Bob Alderman started modelling back in the 1950s and over the years has worked in 4mm and later 7mm scale, which is now his main interest. Bob has built, and helped to build, several model railway layouts, has written a number of articles in modelling magazines, and has been a tutor on many railway modelling courses. In addition, he serviced on the Gauge O Guild's Technical Committee for over a decade and was one of the Guild's directors. Bob was for many years a mechanical engineer in a major aerospace company and his engineering background has given him an excellent understanding of how bridges and viaducts are built. 506 colour photographs and diagrams