The Warren Truss Bridge

A Warren truss bridge is strong, lightweight and easy to build. This model is also perfect for a slot-car tracks, or single lane of O-scale model trains or two lanes of HO-scale model train sets, for simultaneous two-way traffic.

The complete model is 22" (Twenty two inches) long, 7" (seven inches) wide and 7" (seven inches) tall. We don't know how much weight it will support- we stopped trying to break it at 100 lbs.! The kit comes with all wooden parts, assembly instructions and road bed graphics. The only things you need to supply are glue and some rubber bands (about three, to hold some parts together while the glue dries), and a few simple tools. Scissors, a ruler and an optional utility knife are all you really need. Sandpaper is also optional (the model in these photos was not sanded at all.) The kit takes about two to three hours to fully assemble.

Designed and manufactured in the USA, this bridge is precision cut by computer from solid hardwood. It is an architectural model kit designed for school science projects, model train hobbyists and all bridge enthusiasts.

A Warren truss bridge is composed of connected elements which may be stressed from tension, compression, or sometimes both in response to dynamic loads. Truss bridges are one of the oldest types of modern bridges. This truss bridge model has a fairly simple design and is particularly strong and easy to construct.

The detailed instructions include a section on bridge analysis, demonstrating which members are in tension and which ones are in compression, and what that means in regard to truss bridge design.

It's a great introduction to the science of statics (the physics of static structures) and civil engineering, and its a fun project to build too!


* Train set not included with bridge kit. Shown for scale comparison only.