The Warren Truss Bridge, Long Version
A Long, Strong Bridge!
A Warren truss bridge is strong, lightweight and easy to build. This model not only makes a great school science project, but it is also designed to work beautifully with most slot-car racing tracks, O-scale model train sets or it can carry two side-by-side tracks of HO-scale model trains!
The completed model is 34" (almost Three Feet!) long, 7" (seven inches) wide and 7" (seven inches) tall. This version uses stronger truss members and dove-tail style joints for even more strength! We don't know exactly how much weight it will support- we stopped trying to break it at 120 lbs.! The kit comes with all wooden parts, assembly instructions and road bed graphics for two-lane and four-lane road patterns. The only things you need to supply are glue 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 four 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!
* Water jugs, bricks, trained stunt children, train sets and model cars and trucks are not included with bridge kit. Shown for scale comparison only.
