Scratch built wooden bridge

Modeling Subjects Dioramas
1

Hello! This is my first post on the Finescale forum! Here are some progress shots of a wooden bridge i built today for a diorama in the making.

Its mostly made up of basswood, balsa was recommended to me by many of my associates but i like the tighter grain, weight and durability of basswood. The support cross beams and the pillars are actually made of white oak which is highly difficult to work with unless you have a full wood shop at your disposal like myself anyways comments and suggestions are always appreciated!, Enjoy!
p.s. sorry for the poor image quality, a friend is borrowing my camera so i was forced to use my blackberry

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2

Nice work and welcome to the forums! Built several of these types of bridges for model RR layouts and have found that nut-bolt-washer castings from places like Grandt Line or Northwest Shortline really spice them up. Just pick the size appropriate for the scale.

Keep up the good work and hope to see more.

Pat.

3

What scale is the bridge? The Panzer III looks 1/48 scale but its hard to tell.

Like mentioned above some fasteners & hard wear will spice up the look of your bridge. In place of actual scale nuts & bolts I find a sharp pencil can add nice looking nails to wood scratch built accessories.

Nice work and keep the WIP’s coming!

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4

Thank you both for the positive comments!

The bridge and Pz. III are 1/35 scale (I probably should have mentioned that in my original post)

I still have to sand and touch up a few areas on the bridge, i think i will add the hardware (bolts, nuts, nails, plates, etc.) sometime this week when i get a little free time. I’m going to use styrene stock and some brass rod to create the hardware. I’ll post the finished pics later this week!

Thanks again!

-James (Hauptmansmith)[B]

5

This looks awesome already, can’t wait to see the update! [Y]

6

I’m too lazy to click on your hot-links but whatever…

7

So, already have an update for you since yesterday, i started to scrutinize the bridge this afternoon and realized i need it to be a bit shorter so i pulled the legs off the sucker and shortened the whole assembly…

The pictures should work this time as well! [:D]

I think she looks a lot better now!

8

Nicely constructed bridge. It should look even better with all the bolts and nails and other small details added. Can’t wait to see the weathering of the wood take shape…although there is something very appealing about the total unpaintedness of the bridge and vehicle together.

9

Thank you for all your kind words.

Small update: completed some “hardware” nails on the deck of the bridge and fasteners for the railing…

10

Great job James! Looking forward to additional shots…

I agree with your choice to go with basswood over balsa. Overall, basswood has a much better “scale-wood” appearance.

11

This looks great so far. I look forward to seeing further progress! [Y]

12

Really looks nice. Can’t wait to see it weathered.

13

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