Golden Gate Bridge Tower

This is a precise  1/500 scale reproduction of a tower of the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco, California. While this iconic suspension bridge is the subject of innumerable miniatures and souvenirs, no other commercially available reproduction of the tower is more accurate or detailed than this model, which stands an imposing 18 inches (45.8 cm) tall.

The real tower transfers the enormous weight of the main cables (12,000 metric tons each!), suspender ropes and bridge deck into the massive foundations below. Each of the two towers of the bridge are made of riveted steel in a multi-cellular structure weighing about 40,000 metric tons. When completed in 1935, these were the tallest bridge towers in the world. The Golden Gate Bridge is a beautiful example of the balance between form and function, being endowed with a great measure of both.

The model was designed from dimensioned drawings and photographs published in the 1937 report of the chief engineer to the Board of Directors of the Golden Gate Bridge and Highway District, by chief engineer Joseph B. Strauss.  In exact 1/500 scale, the tower is 18 inches (45.8 cm) tall, making for an impressive display. The oft-quoted height of 746 feet above mean sea level is measured over the top of the cables, but this model includes the platforms built atop the cable saddles, at the correct scale height of 751 feet 9 inches (229.14 meters). Note this model has delicate and fragile details and is intended for display only.

The model includes the following prototypical details:
- correctly scaled multi-cellular tower structure
- cable saddles at the top of the tower, with inspection platforms
- accurately dimensioned art deco cladding on struts 1, 2, 3 and 4 above the road deck
- maintenance catwalks located above struts 3 and 4
- a short section of road deck that is integral to the real tower (non-suspended)
- sidewalks with accurate support structure (joists and gussets)
- rocker bearings that maintain the height of the suspended deck
- intricate latticework on struts 5, 6 and 7 below the road deck
- foundation rising 44 scale feet above mean sea level, with accurate art deco details

The model is shipped unpainted directly from Shapeways.

If you wish to paint it, use a paint compatible with Nylon (such as acrylic model paint), preferably by spray application, or very patiently and carefully with a brush. Start with recessed areas and watch out for fragile details. While some paints are sold as "International Orange," the same name given to the color of the bridge, they will turn out too bright. For an authentic look, mix up a dark reddish orange similar to the color Pantone 174, or a bit lighter to compensate for the color scale effect.

San Francisco fog is not included.