Build a curved bridge

Peter Marriott builds and installs the latest laser-cut bridge from Noch, which is designed to work with second radius curves.

Peter Marriott builds and installs a curved laser-cut bridge from Noch.

I’ve built various laser-cut bridges over the years and I’m still impressed at how strong they are. Initially, I didn’t believe a bridge made from cardboard would be strong enough to sustain the weight of a model train!

What makes this kit different to the other Noch bridges that I’ve built is that it’s designed to accept second radius (438mm) curves. That makes it ideal if you’re working with limited space and don’t have room for a straight bridge.

The design, with the steel girders underneath the deck, is rather more European in outline than the British equivalent, but that’s not immediately apparent when it’s been set into the landscape. The bridge could be Anglicised with some suitable height warning signs.

As with most kits, the parts need to be cut out from the backing sheets carefully using a sharp craft knife over a self-healing cutting mat. I smoothed down any excess with fine sandpaper and removed any dust from the parts using a clean, wide brush before assembly.

Lots of the parts pushed together and the instructions suggest using as little adhesive as possible, because any visible glue will leave a shiny mark. Keep a damp cloth handy to wipe away any excess adhesive as soon as possible.

The kit is made of coloured cardboard and does not need to be painted. If you choose to weather it, use weathering dyes and acrylic paints with very little water, allowing each layer to dry before moving on to the next colour or shade.