French bailey bridge

[Didier Molard]

Hello all.
I apologize for the grammar of my english, i will use a corrector to ensure everything is ok.. but some errors may go through.
Having bought a kit some months ago, i started the built of it some days ago, thanks to holidays.
After a day work with a friend ( it's easier being 2 when it comes to bolt the component of the ramps !) a good part of the assembly is done, thanks to the good fititng of parts
anyway, still some job to be done to fully assemble it before disassembling and priming

first base panels

build of the day

regards

[Didier Molard]

hello. sorry for time between posts,
Some progress in the building, quite all elements fitted together now (was 2 weeks ago)
As said in other posts some adjustement needed with transom shoes (hole adjustement) to fit fixation holes in transom
same for all parts receiving the EN 120 pin using a step drill.

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assembly of bridge elements is now smooth, with no gap

next is to disassemble everythng, remove light rust on elements, apply etch primer and paint.
double single for assembly check

full single - need to create a support for the bearing plate so ramps can lay in correct position

[Didier Molard]

Some news, i apologize again fo the slow rate of the build.

since last post, i've ordered /added a 3d section to the bridge, as with 2 sections the bridge is just long enough for a tank to be entirely on it (as for example a comet has a 1.1m long hull.)
so a little more screws and nuts to assemble.

I do not know if someone has build a "double double " or even bigger bridge, but fitting all 3 sections above each other looks awesome

Something not visible here is that i made the sections with screw head always looking "outside " the assembly, so you never see directly the nuts
Also planned are some 3d printed parts to keep all the wooden riband in right place with the right distance between them.

[Didier Molard]

hello all. Some more news !
progress went slow, due to lack of time and lockdown..
As built was started in summer 2019, and parts carfully degreased at that time to avoid issues with paint, some corrosion starts to appear.
I've used acid + phosphating primer to protect the parts
then primed /assembled /painted the parts that would not be easy to paint later on (i know, using etch primer was useless, but had it in stock)
then reassembly of the panels, floor sections + paint to hide the screws
To finally discover that i was short of paint.. (need to order some more cans?)
Many thanks to Laurent Rosset for the information on the paint !

june/july 2020

i've used a pvc pipe to dip the long parts in acid

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acid then water to stop the reaction

priming part areas that , once assembled, could not be painted

all the stuff nedeed for 1 section....

a section quite finished (some paint touch up to be done once averything ready)

[Didier Molard]

after a 2months stop, work restarted a bit, just got time to assemble the 2 ramps

and lateley, week before Chritsmas final assembly of the last section, plus adjustements to be able to fit the pins between all section (untightening some elements to allow them to move a bit)

priority to medical teams..

By now just a few more checks /paint job to be sure everything is tightened / painted..
the fitting of the part was a pleasure, even if sometimes i was wondering how i would be able to fit a screw or a nut in some places !

regards
Didier

[Robert E Morey]

Didier,
Awesome job on the Bridge! That's a mind boggling amount of parts to strip and paint! I really like the color! The Dodge WC looks great! Great to see one of these full span. Need a tank on it now!
Bob

[Didier Molard]

Hello Robert.
It 's scheduled, but as the Comet is not "hangared" at same place than the bridge , it is a bit difficult to have them same place currently !

[Frank Breitenbach]

Hello Didier
A really good job. I like this kind of brige. How large is the span lenght?
Regards
Frank

[Didier Molard]

Hello Franck
Each span is 50cm, so 1.5m large between ramps, 2.5 m total length.

wishing you the best for 2021 !
Regards
Didier