Golden Gate Bridge Tower Section, 1/400 scale

This is a 1/400 scale model of (ONE QUARTER OF) the top section of a tower of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. This model is intended to be displayed in a corner mirror, taking advantage of its symmetry to create three reflections that complete the rest of the tower. The corner mirror arrangement (using two 8-inch square mirrors and a base covered in cotton ball "fog") is perfectly suited for use as a book end, and makes a captivating mini diorama of the bridge towering out of the fog.

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. Due to the small scale and material limitations, some details have been simplified, but the overall dimensions are quite accurate.

By itself, this F-shaped section of the bridge tower doesn't look like much. You will have to build a display base for it (not included) using two perpendicular mirrors and a base plate, to achieve the intended effect of simulating the entire top of the bridge tower.  Follow these steps:

1. Procure two small mirrors, about 20 cm (8 inch) square. Avoid mirrors with beveled edges. If you have a larger budget, front-silvered mirrors work best; all photos shown in this product page use regular mirrors.
2. Build a base plate, to match the dimension of the mirrors.
3. Assemble the base plate and two mirrors to form 3 sides of a box, with the mirrored side on the inside. Make sure all the angles are square, especially along the interior corner where the two mirrors meet.
4. Secure the model into the interior corner of the two mirrors, using double-sided tape or hot glue, ensuring that the model is flush with the mirror surface. (Note there will always be a small visual gap for most mirrors, because the reflective coating is typically on the back of the mirror glass.)
5. If desired, simulate the bridge cable using coat hanger wire; the top of the model has a small hole to secure the wire. Nylon fishing line can also be used to simulate a few vertical suspender ropes. At this scale, you should space them 50 feet or 38 mm (1.5 inch) apart. Hot glue works well to hold everything in place.
6. Place "fog" on the base plate, in the form of cotton balls.
7. Use finished item as a book end or shelf display diorama.