The main track enters Bydemill via a tunnel through the backdrop. I needed a way to disguise this hole in the sky – and fortunately, the prototype that inspired my 7mm scale Great Western Railway layout provided the ideal solution.
The Wild Swan Publications book on the GWR Highworth branch includes drawings and photos of two wooden bridges built to carry pre-existing foot paths over the railway. The bridges were identical with the exception of the angle at which they crossed the tracks. Neither was at the terminal, but since I’m modelling a fictional interpretation of Highworth I’m happy to add a third bridge to the branch.
I used the book’s drawings to scratch build this bridge from materials on hand – including Mount Albert Scale lumber and hardware castings from Grandt Line. I stained the bridge with Hunterline brown stain, then over-sprayed it with white and a thinned silver to achieve a weathered wood look. I picked out the nuts and bolts with a rusty orange from the Contrast Color range (found in miniatures gaming stores). Some airbrushed smoke and dirt finished off the bridge.
I will blend the bridge into the scene with bushes and trees as I make more progress on scenery. This will further disguise the hole through the backdrop.
This was a quick project and it has already made a real difference to the scene.
The Model Railway Show 