Posted on June 11th, 2007
Now Updated and Expanded
I wrote an ebook, 5 Steps to Building a Model Bridge PDF to answer the most common questions people have about building bridges. In the ebook I show all the steps of building a model bridge, and then walk people through the actual construction of a bridge. The ebook contains many photos and illustrations, as well as 25 bonus tips.
The 2nd edition has been downloaded 8860 times since November, 2008.
Support the Cause
I am giving out this ebook for free. There is no obligation for you to donate, but please consider helping the cause. You can donate as much or as little as you want. Even as little as $1 helps me to know that you find the ebook helpful. Any donations will go to my time making this website better and so I can continue to make updates to this ebook. The payment is processed through PayPal’s secure servers.
Here is a condensed version of the table of contents:
#1: Know the rules!
- Be able to define in your own words what the bridge must accomplish
- Do not get disqualified
#2: Design the bridge
- Design the bridge around the loading points
- Choose a truss to use
- Draw the bridge to scale
#3: Gather Materials
- Wood
- Tools
- Workspace
#4: Build the bridge
- Step One
- Step Two
- Double check for leaning
#5: Testing and Evaluation
- Testing Procedures
- Evaluation Procedures
If what you’re building is a home then general contracting is something to try to learn as much about as possible before hiring new home builders to work on your home. The process of building a home is something that still might involve the use of a remodeling contractor so that’s something to keep in mind.
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Enjoyed reading your e-book. There is a small typo on the trusses page where you use the word “implantation” rather then “implementation.” Thought you might want to know.
I’m wondering if you’ve noticed that there appears to be a ca. 7-8 year cycle in balsa wood strength. This is an observation based on 29-years of balsa bridge contests.
Peter, thanks for the comment and pointing out the typo.
I had not noticed that trend of balsa wood strength that you mention. I have only been working with Balsa for 9 years.
[...] “5 Steps to Building a Model Bridge” is a terrific resource (available as a free PDF, but donations are welcome). He explains everything from choosing wood, glue and tools to drawing [...]