The next major structure required for my steel mill-based layout is an ore bridge – not just any ore bridge, but one that is capable of unloading Great Lakes ore boats. I’m referring to the kind with a drawbridge-type overhang on the waterfront end that can be raised while the ship is being guided in and out of the dock. As with my other structures, this will definitely NOT be a pure replication of a specific prototype but [rather] a “plausible generic” representation.
The inspiration for my model is a bridge at the US Steel Zug Island ore dock near Detroit, Michigan.
A sketch (not to scale) of my simplified model appears in ob_draw_overview.gif.
Materials
Unlike any of my previous models, this one will be 85% brass – this is the only material I can trust not to bend or sag. The frame, legs, and heavy bracing will be metal; the details like thin bracing, walkways, stairs, and handrails will be styrene.
Status
At this point, I have completed the brass part of the forward and rear legs and assembled the 10 interior cross braces. My project was delayed when I discovered, after closer examination of John Teichmoeller’s photograph above, that the original legs I had built were totally incorrect so I needed to acquire the necessary brass shapes and build new ones (see pictures at links below).
Assembled sides of the two forward legs (below bridge level): ob_model_wide_legs_01.jpg
An assembled leg beside the brass pieces of an unassembled leg: ob_model_wide_legs_02.jpg
Two I-beam sections of a rear leg. The long piece was partially cut at the ridges, then bent.
Diagram of interior cross brace section, assembled and ‘exploded’: ob_draw_inner_brace.gif
Assembled rear and forward legs: ob_model_all_legs_01.jpg
Partially-assembled top and side sections of interior braces: ob_model_inner_brace_01.jpg
Inside cross braces and frame bottom: ob_model_inner_brace_02.jpg
A stack of ten assembled cross-brace sections: ob_model_inner_brace_04.jpg
L-girders to be used for top of frame: ob_model_top_long_beams_01.jpg
…and that is where I’m at with
the ore bridge as of October 20, 2003.
–KJL
