The Warren Truss Bridge

Ancient Engineering SeriesCatapult Kits

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The Warren Truss Bridge

A Warren truss bridge is strong, lightweight and easy to build. This model is also perfect for a slot-car tracks, or single lane of O-scale model trains or two lanes of HO-scale model train sets, for simultaneous two-way traffic.

The complete model is 22" (Twenty two inches) long, 7" (seven inches) wide and 7" (seven inches) tall. We don't know how much weight it will support- we stopped trying to break it at 100 lbs.! The kit comes with all wooden parts, assembly instructions and road bed graphics. The only things you need to supply are glue and some rubber bands (about three, to hold some parts together while the glue dries), and a few simple tools. Scissors, a ruler and an optional utility knife are all you really need. Sandpaper is also optional (the model in these photos was not sanded at all.) The kit takes about two to three hours to fully assemble.

Designed and manufactured in the USA, this bridge is precision cut by computer from solid hardwood. It is an architectural model kit designed for school science projects, model train hobbyists and all bridge enthusiasts.

A Warren truss bridge is composed of connected elements which may be stressed from tension, compression, or sometimes both in response to dynamic loads. Truss bridges are one of the oldest types of modern bridges. This truss bridge model has a fairly simple design and is particularly strong and easy to construct.

The detailed instructions include a section on bridge analysis, demonstrating which members are in tension and which ones are in compression, and what that means in regard to truss bridge design.

It's a great introduction to the science of statics (the physics of static structures) and civil engineering, and its a fun project to build too!

* Train set not included with bridge kit. Shown for scale comparison only.

Price: $29.95
Minimum age: 8
Availability: In stock.

Item code: 20111

Notes:
Why should a kid
build a catapult?

Because the world needs good engineers and scientists, and because the kids who will grow up to become engineers and scientists need a way to get hands-on experience with physics, math and engineering.

In this age of 200-plus channels of TV, the Internet and computer games, kids are also spending far less time building tree houses, tinkering with engines, or designing downhill racers. We believe those are important skills to have. They help form the basis for good problem solving skills and an innate understanding of the real, physical world that you just can't get from a computer game, no matter how good its physics simulation software is.

Ballistic motion was one of the key players in the development of the science of physics. The word "engineer" even originated as the builders and designer of Siege Engines

Why is a budding engineering student expected to take a year or two of calculus in high school, but she isn't expected to have any real-world experience in building or working with machines and materials? Pencil and paper (or computer screens) are only one part of the learning experience. Where will she apply all of the stuff she learned in geometry and trig? Without physical projects to touch, feel and see, the lessons become abstract, their utility questionable.

A catapult project gives students a chance to see that science and engineering really can be fun, and it's a lot more than just numbers on paper. The real payoff for an engineer is in the field, where she can see and enjoy the results of her ingenuity. And it may seem counterintuitive, but engineering projects not only help kids learn math and science, they are also great at getting kids back outdoors, away from the massive over-exposure to video games, TV and the Internet.

Why all this interest in getting kids to study science and engineering? Because it's important to our society, and it's great mental cross training regardless of what field of work the kids eventually go into. Most people develop a sense for what they want to do in life while they are still in high school or even earlier. A catapult project is fun and interesting enough to inspire some kids to study the science behind how they work, and then go on to become the engineers and scientists of tomorrow.

(Click images to enlarge)