 Black Bear Construction Co., Inc.
Trestle and Bridge Building Supplies for the Model Railroader |
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About Steel Rods
The availability of iron and steel was critical to the development of truss-type bridges in the late 1800's. Black Bear Truss and Deck Bridge designs are based on threaded, 2" diameter steel rods. These are modeled with scale music wire and plastic Nut-Bolt-Washer (NBW) moldings.
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Music wire is strong and stays straight; however, it is hard to cut. Most wire cutters are easily damaged by music wire. The Xuron 2193 Hard Wire and Cable cutters are speced to cut up to .040" diameter music wire. A grinder, cut-off wheel, or chain cutters also work.
Most of the following tips on modeling steel rod effectively have been taken from the Black Bear bridge assembly instructions.
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| Build a simple jig to help you drill holes for the rods in repeatable locations. |
Start hole from one side of wood. Turn wood over and start from the other side. The two holes meet in the middle. |
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| Xuron 2193 wire cutters or Dremel cut-off wheels are ideal for cutting music wire. |
Stem of NBW and rod meet inside the hole. |
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| Initially cut your rods long. Use them to help you get all the bridge elements square and parallel. |
It turns out looking great and it isn't that hard. |
PO Box 26911
Austin, TX 78755-0911
(512) 467-8400 FAX:(512) 458-8765