Miniature Log and Plank Bridge
I made a miniature plank and log bridge as a prototype for a naturalistic bridge that I would like to have it built over a fish ladder. Of course if this does actually get built it won't just be a scaled up version of this, certain aspects will be improved to better fit the site, this prototype is just what I want the general look of it to be. In this I'll go over how I made it and how you can make it, too.
Supplies
Two one inch thick, eleven inches long wooden sticks.
Twelve tongue depressors.
Hot Glue Gun.
Anything that can cut Wood. (I used Chisels)
Cut Open the Sticks
Saw open a small line along both of the sticks nine inches long. Make sure they are just about thick enough to fit in tongue depressors in them. You also want the line half an inch deep in the wood. You can double check if the line is deep enough if you stick a tongue depressor in it and you can't see the round top.
Place the Tongue Depressors
You want both of the cut open lines of the sticks facing each other, and place the tongue depressors one by one in between them, fitting in both of the sticks. You should be able to place twelve depressors along the lines. Make sure that no depressors overlap and are an even surface.
Finish
For the bridge to be finished, you must hot glue the small gap in between the depressors and the inside of the stick. Do this on the surface and beneath. Wait for it to cool and solidify then BAM! You're all set. You can always double check if the bridge is stable if you can hold one stick and it holds together perfectly.
Final Thoughts
While I was making this miniature, I learned a bit more about the process of engineering and problem solving. Using this as a mini bridge would also be pretty cool, adding personality to any tiny town. That's all from me, thanks.