| One way to add a good deal of character to your | | | | two sections of foam core. |
| model train layout is through the addition of a | | | | Trace the pattern that you want onto the top |
| train bridge. This is an excellent way to showcase | | | | sheet of foam and cut it out. It is easiest if you |
| your skill as well. The materials that they can be | | | | cut both pieces at the same time and helps to |
| made from varies greatly and mainly just | | | | make sure that they are cut out evenly. After |
| depends on how much weight they will be | | | | you have gotten them cut out you can then glue |
| carrying. By building a bridge you open up the | | | | them to the track bed. You will want to give the |
| chance to add more features to your layout | | | | glue plenty of time to dry. You can then turn the |
| including ponds, rivers, and more. | | | | bed upside down so that you can easily get to |
| Once you have built your first few bridges you | | | | the bottom of the train bridge if you need to. |
| will then be ready to tackle some larger projects | | | | Supports will now need to be installed between |
| as well. To start your bridge you will first have to | | | | each of the arches in order to provide strength |
| figure out how wide and and how long you will | | | | to the bridge itself. Pieces of foam will work |
| need to make it. Now that you know this you will | | | | perfectly as long as they are cut to fit snugly. |
| be able to begin. You will start by building a base | | | | After you have made sure that they fit level |
| for the tracks themselves. This base should be | | | | across the bottom of the viaduct you will be |
| strong enough to support the trains and the | | | | ready to glue them carefully into place. You can |
| landscape. This means the bigger the train the | | | | now decorate the outside of your new project. |
| stronger the wood that will be needed. 2x4's are | | | | You can cover your train bridge with whatever |
| normally the wood of choice for projects such as | | | | decorations you would like to add. You can print |
| this. | | | | out brick shaped designs and paint them as bricks |
| Build your basic box and cover it with plywood. | | | | or you can just paint straight onto the foam. |
| You then will have to create your arches. To do | | | | Another option is to mix up a bit of brick mortar |
| this you need to decide exactly what size you will | | | | and use a stencil to get a real brick look. Stick the |
| want and how many of them you will be using. | | | | stencil into place and apply the mortar mix after |
| Much of this depends on if you will have a train | | | | water has been added. Use your imagination and |
| that will pass through the arches as well. Place | | | | paint your new model train bridge any way you |
| your arches along your structure making sure to | | | | choose. |
| place them evenly throughout. Next you will need | | | | |