Bridge Plans

[Anonymous]

I am considering drawing basic bridge plans for the various kits I have built and Kit-bashed to help others plan ahead for their bridges. The drawings would be on both 8-1/2 x 11 and 11 x 17 paper. In order to do the project, I will need to receive permission from the manufacturing companies to reproduce their models as plans. I would think they would like the idea since it would help them promote and sell their models.

One thing I have noticed is that there is a general lack of knowledge concerning the items beyond the 'Bridge Superstructure', the girders, beams, and bracing. Most don't understand bridge bearings, piers and abutments, as well as site grading around the bridge.

Before I invest much time in this and go to the manufacturers, I would like to know if there is much intrest in this information. My intent is to reproduce the drawings and sell them for 5 cents a page for 8-1/2 x 11 and 10 cents a page for 11 x 17 + reproduction costs and shipping. I would have them reproduced by a professional company on heavy paper.

Let me know what you think. - Ed

[Anonymous]

Hi Ed. I think there is always an interest for things that make life easier on someone. This would save time on research and drawing time. I would assume that one can click on your singht, view and find the appropriate bridge design, and order it. I think that sounds great. I think getting "Rights" to do this is not going to be as easy or cheap as you think. But that is only an assumption. Kalmbach Publishing did come out with a "Bridges Tressels and something else" book, can't remember whole title, but it did go over a lot of the general things on bridges. But I think you have a great idea and I would be interested........Jamie

[Anonymous]

Cool, that's one.

I don't see why a manufacturer would be upset that I was helping to advertise their product but it is their decision not mine. The intent is to produce a book similar to the Kalmbach book that discusses bridges with a different perspective. One area I want to focus on is the substructure, including the piers and abutments. The Bridges and Trestles book does a good job on Superstructures like girders and trusses. It also give alot of information on movable bridges (draw bridges and the like). After I have several sketches, I will write some text discussing the elements of the plan. Eventually, I will have a whole book and y'all can provide alot of feedback to let me know how well the information is received. Consider the sketches part of a work in progress.

I won't be reproducing any information from the Kalmbach book. That would be plagerism and I would get in real trouble. But I don't think drawing pictures of existing bridge kits will cause any heartburn.

Another thing people can do is photocopy the plans and cut and glue them to cardboard. This would allow people to test fit their bridge ideas on their layout. Again, this should help sell kits. We will see. - Ed

[Anonymous]

Ed,
I think your book is a good idea. Having already received your structure plans, I for one can appreciate what you would like to accomplish. I bought the Kalmbach Bridges book and got some real good information. However, There is a lot of room for details that they didn't cover. You could fill a niche that would complement their work. I have seven more less complicated bridges to build. My modeling would improve if I knew what I was doing. I would have built a suspension bridge which would have been out of place, had you not advised me otherwise. I certainly would be willing to pay a nominal fee foe plans.
Good luck and keep me posted.
Jim