The massive canal bridge is another exercise in repeated modelling. The basic concept is a curved top slab for the side, but the ribs are numerous and need to look the same. I used a similar method as on the road bridge, although it's simplified a bit as no-one is looking at the canal in the same way.
This diagram might be a little crude, but it should help to explain. The numbers indicate the order the parts are assembled.
1 - Bridge side. 1mm plastic.
2 - Bottom plate. This sticks out both sides of the side and is 8mm wide.
3 - Vertial rib back. 3mm wide 0.5mm thick plastic.
4 - Diagonal brace. Basically a square of the same stuff as the rib. Yes, I know the rib should carry on all the way down to the bottom plate, but it's quicker this way and I don't think anyone will notice.
5 - More 0.5mm plastic for the rib. It's cut off at around 45 degrees at the bottom.
The key to making the ribs is plenty of solvent and smooshing the parts together so the molten plastic fills any unwanted gaps and hides less then perfect part fits. Where possible, such as at the top of each rib, I cut overlong and trim back once the glue has dried. There's less measuring that way, yet you can be confident they will be right.
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