Generations of modellers grew up seeing pictures of the Hornby suspension bridge - but can this veteran model work in today’s high-fidelity world? DAN EVASON explains how he updated it to provide a signature structure.
WITH THE COST of living currently spiralling, I find that I am increasingly spending more time checking through second-hand model railway listings, where there are quite often a few hidden gems to be discovered.
Recently, I set myself something of a challenge to turn one of my newly-acquired pre-loved purchases – a 'OO' gauge Hornby suspension bridge – of early 1970s design, into something that looks like it has only just been developed and released in 2022.
This model was a staple of lavish catalogue photographs for many years, and while rail suspension bridges are rare in the UK, there’s no question that it offered a striking focal point for many train set-based layouts.
Interestingly, the Grand Suspension Bridge kit remains in the Hornby range today and builds into an impressive structure measuring 1372mm long by 80mm high. While it has been designed as a clip together kit, using glue will add rigidity to the end result and reduce the risk of parts falling off.
However, my planned makeover for the bridge wasn’t…
