I need to build a replica of the Oakland Bay Bridge-where can I find a kit/pattern?

Question

School project. Need to build a model/replica of the Oakland Bay bridge. I am looking for any information on where to find a kit; pattern; material ideas, etc. Need to have this for Monday!!

Answer 1

WOW... big project for a mere weekend!

I'd go first to Google Earth to get a satellite view of the layout of the Bay Bridge, and then I'd hit this location for some pictures and links to other sites... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakland_Bay_Bridge

As to materials... I'd hit a model-hobby shop and buy sheet-styrene plastic or wood, and tools.

GOOD LUCK !!

Answer 2

Susan, Susan, Susan, you should have been asking us this weeks ago. How long have you known about this?
OK now that the parental disclamer is out of the way we have a bridge to build. I build these things almost every day for war gamers and model railroaders and I would have budgeted about 3 weeks for this project.
Rule number one is DON'T PANIC.
You've already gotten a good answerfrom a previous poster. There may not be enough time to assemble a bridge from small pieces. Here's what I would do. You didn't say which span or if you were building both spans so I'll hit the high spots of both. The suspension span will be the easiest. You could build the towers and roadway out of foam core cutting away the openings. Don't let this overwhelm you. Look as some pictures of the bridge. It is basically a bunch of triangles an a few squares. You can draw out a triangle template and then draw out the bridge on the foam core. Cut out what you don't need and you should have a side when you are finished. Repeat and you should have both. You can use string or a small rope ( I'd stay away from yarn althought the diameter might be good) as your support cables.
For the other span you could use foam core or one of my favorites materials pop cycle sticks. I did a suspension bridge like this for a church once, it's not too hard. Use super glue and an accelerant to speed things along. Think in small steps to complete the larger model. One more thing, I would go for a small scale on this. The smaller the better.
Good luck and Hope this Helps.

Answer 3

The Bay Bridge is just fine. No problem. There is a freeway flyover bridge that got damaged when a speeding truck went out of control and hit the guard rail causing it to tip over and spill its cargo of gasoline. That accident caused the gasoline to catch fire. The inferno was so hot it melted the pavement and some of the steel in the structure holding up the span. I have to laugh that some people seem to think someone would be stupid enough to think this was anything more than an accident. I guess they're the paranoid among us that find a boogy man under their beds. They are so afraid that their fearless leader (bow your heads) would some how be responsible for the accident. I can sort of understand why they have paranoia because their fearless leader may be caught again in one of his lies or that more corruption or incompetence will be exposed.