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Instruction Manual
PASCO Structures Systems
Large Structures Set
ME-7003
012-12670A
*012-12670*
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The cover page shows an Angle Crane model built with components from the ME-7 003 Lar ge S tru ctures Set. The
picture shows Load Cells, a Load Cell Amplifier, Large Slotted Masses, and the Hydraulics Structures Set which
are available separately. The ME-7003 Large Structures Set can be used to build over a dozen different models.
Instructions for building twenty models are includ ed in this manual.
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Table of Contents
Included Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Recommended Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
About the Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Adding Load Cells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Large Structures Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1. Car Building Jump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2. Cable Stayed Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3. Arch Truss Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4. Roller Coaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
5. Canyon Car Jump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
6. Suspension Bridge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
7. High Road/Low Road. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
8. Tied Arch Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
9. Baltimore Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
10. Double Tied Arch Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
11. Cantilever Truss Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
12. Brachistochrone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
13. Drawbridge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
14. Vertical Lift Drawbridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
15. Tower Crane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
16. Arch Causeway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
17. Skyscraper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
18. House Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
19. Angle Crane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
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Large Structures Set
20. Windmill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Technical Support, Warranty, and Copyright. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Windmill Sail Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
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ME-6997 Full Round
Connector Set
ME-6993 Truss Set Members
ME-6988A Force Platform Structure
ME-7002 Connector
Spares
ME-6996 Cord Lock Spares
ME-6994 Truss Set Screws
ME-6999A Angle
Connectors
ME-6974 Large
Structure Parts
ME-6985 Flexible I-Beams
ME-6986 Structures
Rod Clamp
ME-6998A Axle Spares
ME-7008 #6 I-Beams
ME-9814 Coaster Track (9.1 m)
ME-9839 and ME-9840 Mini Cars
ME-6987 Flat Structures
Members
ME-9856 Mini Car Starter Bracket
Large Structures Set
ME-7003
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Large Structures Set Introduction
Included Items Qty Included Items Qty
ME-6974 Large Structures Parts 1 set ME-6998A Axle Spares 1 set
ME-6986 Structures Rod Clamps (2/set) 1 set ME-6999A Angle Connectors 1 set
ME-6985 Flexible I-Beams 1 set ME-7002 Connector Spares 2 sets
ME-6987 Flat Structures Members 1 set ME-7008 #6 I-Beam Spares 1 set
ME-6988A Force Platform Structure 1 set ME-9814 Coaster Track (9.1 m) 1
ME-6993 Truss Set Members 3 sets ME-9839 Mini-car, Green 1
ME-6994 Truss Set Screws (75/set) 6 sets ME-9840 Mini-car, Yellow 1
ME-6996 Cord Lock Spares 1 set ME-9856 Mini-car Starter Bracket 1
ME-6997 Full Round Connector Set 1 set Container (not shown) 2
The ME-7003 Large Structures Set can be used with other sets from the PASCO Structures System* such as the
following:.
ME-6984 Hydraulics Structures Set ME-6991 Bridge Set
ME-6990 Truss Set ME-6992A Advanced Structures Set
*See the PASCO catalog or Web site at www.pasco.com for information about the PASCO Structures System.
The following equipment* is recommended for use with a PASCO Interface to measure tension and compression
forces in the structures or to measure the motion of a Mini Car as it moves on a structure..
Recommended Equipment* Recommended Equipment*
Load Cell Amplifier (PS-2198, PS-2206 or CI-6464) PS-2204 Displacement Sensor
PS-2200 100 N Load Cell PS-2159 PASPORT Digital Adapter
PS-2201 5 N Load Cell ME-9498A Photogate Head
*See the PASCO catalog or Web site at www.pasco.com for more information about the recommended items.
Introduction
The ME-7003 Large Structures Set is one part of the PASCO Structures System and can be combined with other
parts of the Structures System. The Large Structures Set allows you to build a variety of realistic tru ss structures.
You can add Load Cells to the structures in order to measure the forces anywhere in the structure. This manual
describes t he construction of sixteen structures.
Load Cell Amplifier (PS-2198 or CI-6464) - The amplifier r equires a PASPORT o r ScienceWorkshop interface to
connect to a computer. The PS-2198 accepts up to six Load Cells and the CI-6464 supports one Load Cell.
100 N Load Cell (PS-2 200) and 5 N Load Cell (2201) - Strain gauges mou nted on a b eam with no electronics s o
a Load Cell requires a Load Cell Amplifier (PS-2198), Dual Load Cell Amplifier (PS-2206), ScienceWorkshop
Load Cell Amplifier (CI-6464), or CI Sensor Voltage Monitor (CI-6611).
Displacement Sensor (PS-2205) - A PASPORT Sensor and a digital displacement indicator designed to measure
the deflection of parts of a structure such as a truss or a bridge as forces are applied.
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Model No. ME-7003 012-12670A About the Components
Photogate
Flag
Coupler
Track
Clip
Coaster Track
Track Clip
Rotate the clip one-quarter turn.
Beam
Channel
Beam
Clamp
Rod
About the Components
Large Structures Parts (ME-6974)
The ME-6974 Large Structures Parts set consists of two
Mini Car Photogate Flags, two Couplers for the Coaster
Track, and a set of 24 Track Clips. The Photogate Flags
mount on any Mini Car. When the flag on a moving car
travels through a photogate and interrupts the beam, the
car’s motion can be measured. The Couplers are used to
connect Coaster Tracks together, and the Track Clips are
used to connect a Coaster Track to a PASCO structure.)
Use track clips to connect the Coaster Track to the structure beams. Slide the clip into the channel on the underside
of the track. Move the clip into position and lock it into place with a quarter twist as shown.
Flexible I-Beams (ME-6985)
The Flexible I-Beam Set contains forty-six flexible beams of three dif ferent lengths . The flexible beams have the
same lengths as three of the I-beams from the Truss Set Members (ME-6993). The flexible beams allow you to
explore the concept of structural failure. By replacing a #3, #4, or #5 I-beam in a structure with one of the flexible
I-beams you can observe the effect of a load that causes deformation. These I-beams are designed to demonstrate
stress and failure and then return to their original shape once the load is removed.
Flexible I-Beam Set (ME-6985) Qty Equivalent Truss Set Members
#3 Flexible I-Beam (11.5 cm) 18 #3 I-Beam
#4 Flexible I-Beam (17 cm) 18 #4 I-Beam
#5 Flexible I-Beam (24 cm) 10 #5 I-Beam
Please note that the flexible I-beams are a different color (beige) than the other I-beams (light blue).
Structures Rod Clamp (ME-6986)
Use a rod clamp to attach a structure beam to any 12.7 mm (1/2”) diameter rod.
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Large Structures Set About the Components
#4 Beam
#3 Beam
3 X 4
Beam
Half Round
Truss
3 X 4
Beam
2 X 3
Flat #4
Beam
#1 Beam
#2 Beam
#3 Beam
#4 Beam
#5 Beam
Half Round
Connector
Screw
#1 #1
#3
#3#3
#5
#2 #2
#4
Flat Structures Members (ME-6987)
This set contains three types of flat structures: Flat 3 X 4 Beam (19 cm), Flat #4 Beam (17 cm), and Flat 2 X 3
Beam (12.5 cm). There are sixteen of each type of beam in the set.
Force Platform Structure (ME-6988A)
The PASCO model ME-7003 Force Platform Structures Bra cket includes two brack ets and fo ur thum bscrews. Th e
adapter bracket is designed to connect memb ers of the PASCO Structures System to a P ASCO Force Platform (not
included). The brackets can also serve as foundation plates for larger structure models.
(Please see the Force Platform Structures Bracket instruction sheet for more information.)
Truss Set Members (ME-6993)
The Truss Set Members consis ts of five typ es of “I- beams ” and
one type of connector. Each set has the following quantities:
Item Qty Item Qty
#1 Beam (5.5 cm) 8 #4 Beam (17 cm) 18
#2 Beam (8 cm) 8 #5 Beam (24 cm) 8
#3 Beam (11.5 cm) 18 Half Round Connector 14
When connected at 180° to a connector, two identical beams
have a combined length equal to one longer beam. For example,
two #1 beams connected at 180° have the same length as a #3
beam.
Truss Set Screws (ME-6994)
Each set of Truss Set Screws contains 75 Thumbscrews for attaching I-beams to connectors or load cells.
Cord Lock Spares (ME-6996)
A set of Cord Lock Spares includes 32 Cord Tensioning Clips (Cord Clips) and one roll of yellow braided cord.
When attaching cords for lateral bracing or for suspension or cable-stayed brid ges, Cord Clips are used to assist in
adjusting the tension in the cords.
The Cord Clip does not come apart. It is best to thread the cord through the clip before the clip is installed on the
bridge or structure. Prepare to thread the cord by holding the top half of the clip as shown in Figure A so the two
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Model No. ME-7003 012-12670A About the Components
Figure A: Hold half of
the cord clip so the
two halves separate
Figure B: Loop the
cord back through the
cord clip
Figure C: The cord
goes around the
screw hole
Figure D: The cord clip is
ready to be attached to the
structure using a screw
Full
Round
Flat
Round
PASt rack
Connector
Pulley
O-ring
Drive
wheel
Collet Tire Spacer
Axles
Pulley
Spacers
This pulley is free to rotate.
Half
Round
Axle
Axle attached to a half-round connector
Axle
Half
Round
Thumbscrew
Drive wheel attached to an axle
Thumbscrew
halves of the clip will separate, leaving an opening through which the cord is threaded. The cord is inserted into
the end opposite the pointed end of the clip. The cord should be looped back through the clip as shown in Figure C.
Then the Cord Clip can be used in the structure, using the attachment screw to tighten the clip shut. To adjust the
cord tension, loosen the screw and pull on the cord to the desired tension and then tighten the screw.
Full Round Connectors Spares (ME-6997)
Full Round Connector: The Full Round Connector has eleven slots,
labeled A through H and X, Y, and Z, for attaching beams. There are
six Full Round Connectors in the set.
Flat Round Connector: The Flat Connector has eight slots, labeled
A through E, and X, Y, and Z, for attaching beams. There are six
Flat Connectors in the set.
PAStrack Connector: The PAStrack Connector is a nut and bolt that
allows a PAStrack to be connected to a structures model. There are
six PAStrack Connectors in the set.
Axle Spares (ME-6998A)
The Axle Spares set includes two Axles each of three different lengths, twelve Pulleys, twelve O-rings, four Drive
Wheels, four Tires, 24 Collets, and twelve Spacers.
The illustrations show example uses of axles, pulleys, and
wheels.
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Large Structures Set About the Components
Sliding Connector on a #1 Beam
Straight
Angle
Straight Connector
Angle Connector
Side rail
Center
rails
Track
Angle Connectors (ME-6999A)
The Angle Connectors set includes 24 Straight Connectors, 24 Angle Connectors, and twelve Sliding Connectors. The Straight Connector can connect
two beams to make a longer beam. T he Angle Co nnector can allow a beam to
be connected to a half round connector, full round connector, or flat round
connector at an angle different than zero, 45, or 90 degrees. The angle connector also allows for a small adjustment of the length of the beam. The Sliding Connector allows one beam to be connected to another beam at any
position along the length of the second beam..
To use the sliding connector, loosen the thumbscrew and rotate the top “jaw” to the side. Place the beam onto the
lower part of the connector, rotate the top “jaw” into place, and tighten the thumbscrew. The Structures Set
includes two Angle Connector sets.
Connector Spares (ME-7002)
Each set of Connector Spares includes fourteen Half Round Connectors.
#6 I-Beam Spares (ME-7008)
The #6 I-Beam is 35 cm long. There are 24 beams per set.
Coaster Track (ME-9814)
The ME-9814 Coaster Track is a section of f lexible track that is 9.1 m long. Side rails and center rails help to keep a Mini Car on the track.
Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the track to
the desired length.
Use a Track Coupler to connect two sections of
Coaster Track together.
Slide the Track Coupler into the channel on the underside of each Coaster Track section.
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Model No. ME-7003 012-12670A About the Components
Mini Car
Photogate flag
Metal
Coaster
track
Mini Car
Starter Bracket
Car aligned in bracket
Mini Cars (ME-9839 and ME-9840)
The ME-9839 Green Mini Car and ME-9840 Yellow Mini Car
are designed to run on the Coaster Track.
If you are using a photogate (available separately) to measure
the speed of the car, attach a photogate flag (included with the
ME-6974) as pictured. The flag will interrupt the photogate
twice as the car passes, allowing the speed to be calculated.
Mini Car Starter Bracket (ME-9856)
The ME-9856 Mini Car Starter Bracket is designed to help
align the wheels of the Mini Car on the Coaster Track. Squeeze
the metal clip of the starter bracket and insert it into the channel
on the underside of the track.
Slide the bracket along the track to the desired position.
Drop the Mini Car into the bracket as shown.
Total Quantities
Included Items Qty Included Items Qty Included Items Qty
#6 Beam (35 cm long) 24 #4 Flexible Beam (17 cm) 18 Force Platform Structure 2
#5 Beam (24 cm long) 24 #3 Flexible Beam (11.5 cm) 18 Cord Tensioning Clip 32
#4 Beam (17 cm long) 54 Angle Connector 24 Yellow Cord 1 roll
#3 Beam (11.5 cm long) 54 Straight Connector 24 Coaster Track (9.1 m) 1
#2 Beam (8 cm long) 64 Sliding Connector 12 Mini Car (Green and Yellow) 2
#1 Beam (5.5 cm long) 24 Flat Round Connector 6 Mini Car Starter Bracket 1
Flat 2 X 3 Beam (12.5 cm) 16 Full Round Connector 6 Track Clip 24
Flat 3 X 4 Beam (19 cm) 16 Half Round Connector 70 Track Coupler 2
Flat #4 Beam (17 cm) 16 PAStrack Connector 6 Mini Car Photogate Flat 2
#5 Flexible Beam (24 cm) 10 Screw (6-32) 450 Container (not shown) 2
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Large Structures Set Operation
Attaching beams to connectors
A load cell combined with two #2 beams is the same
length as a #4 beam
Load Cell
#2
#2
#4
Bridge with Load Cells
1.0 N()21.0 N()
2
+ 1.4 N=
Operation
Assembling Beams
All beams attach to connectors in the same way. Use the included screws (6-32, slotted) to attach beams to a con nector (such as the half round connector) as illustrated.
Adding Load Cells
To measure the compression and tension forces in individual members of a structure, add load cells (available
separately) to the PASCO Structure. Replace a beam
with two shorter beams and a load cell.
#5 beam = load cell + two #3 beams
#4 beam = load cell + two #2 beams
#3 beam = load cell + two #1 beams
Use thumbscrews to attach two beams to a load cell as
shown in the fi gure.
When using load cells, assemble your structure with the screws loose. This will simplify the analysis by ensuring
that the members experience only tension and compression without moments.
Example: Bridge with Load Cells
Static Load
The bridge shown in the figu re incorporates six load
cells to measure the tension or compression in various members. A hanging mass is used to apply loa d.
The mass is adjusted so that th e compression in one
of the legs is 1.0 N. Compression is registered as a
positive value and tension as a negative value.
If the screws are loose, then the theoretical analysis
of the bridge can be carried out by assuming that the net force at each node is zero. Thus, the vertical component
of compression in the left-most diagonal member must be 1 N (to oppose the force applied by the leg). The horizontal component must also be 1 N since the member is at a 45° angle. The predicted resultant force is:
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Model No. ME-7003 012-12670A Large Structures Construction
Recording the forces measured by the load cells as the cart traverses the
PAStrack bridge.
PAStra ck
Load
Cell
Adjustable
end stop
To Load Cell
Amplifier
Calibration fixture
Load
Cell
Mass
Half
Round
Dynamic Load
With the load cells inserted as shown in
the figure, push a Cart with its extra
mass across the bridge. Zero the load
cells before the measurement. Examine
which members are under tension or
compression.
Note that the Load Cell Amplifier can
support up to six Load Cells in any
combination (5 N, 100 N, or both).
Calibration.
See the instructions that came with the load cells for details about
how to connect the load cells to an interface or datalogger. Follow
the instructions to calibrate the load cells and use them to collect
data. (Load cells are factory calibrated; however, you can re-calibrate them in software or on the datalog ger. See the documentation
for your software or datalogger for instructions.)
Large Structures Construction
The manual illustrates construction of twenty large structures such
as trusses, bridges, and cranes. The descriptions show what components are used for each structure and how they are connected to
each other. Close-up photographs show the details of construction
where possible.
Table 1.1:
Structure Structure Structure Structure
Car Building Jump Suspension Bridge Cantilever Truss Arch Causeway
Cable Stayed Bridge High Road/Low Road Brachistochrone Skyscraper
Arch Truss Tied Arch Bridge Drawbridge House Frame
Roller Coaster Baltimore Bridge Vertical Lift Drawbridge Angle Crane
Canyon Car Jump Double Tied Arch Bridge Tower Crane Windmill
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Large Structures Set Car Building Jump
Figure: Car Building Jump
Flex 4
Legend:
AC = Angle Connector
FR = Full Round Connector
FT = Flat Round Connector
HR = Half Round Connector
SL = Sliding Connector
ST = Straight Connector
AC
AC
#4
#4
#4
#4
#4
#4
ST
ST
#4
SL
#5
SL
SL
#5
#3
#3
#3
#3
#3
#3
SL
ST
#1
#3
#2
#2
#4
#6
#6
#4
#4
ST
#5
#5
#6
#6
#6
#6
#6
Use two #3 beams
and a Straight
Connector to make
twelve #5 beams.
FT
FT
HR
HR
FL
Flex 3
#4
#4
#4
#3
HR
FR
#6
#5
#5
#5
Flex 5
Flex 4
#4
#3
2 x
3 x
#2
#2
Landing
platform*
Car Building Jump
Use beams, connectors, cord (for cr os s b racing), and a section of Coaster Track to build a ramp next to a building.
Use Track Clips to attached the Coaster Track to the ramp. Add a Mini Car Starter Bracket to the top of the ramp
and let a Mini Car roll down the ramp and “jump” onto the adjacent building’s landing platform.
Flex 3
Flex 5
Flex 3
Adjust the position of the building as needed so that the car lands on top of the building.
*Make a landing platform using a square of cardboard or foam core board.
If the building is too high or too low, change the beams at the bottom of the building. Replace the #2 beams with
#1 beams, or remove the bottom beams altogether.
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Model No. ME-7003 012-12670A Car Building Jump
Figure: Top Detail
Mini Car Starter Bracket
#4
Flex 5
AC
AC
AC
#4
SL
SL
#6
#5
AC
#4
SL
Use Track Clips to attach the Coaster
Track to the #4 cross beams. Attach the
Mini Car Starter Bracket to the underside
of the Coaster Track.
AC
AC
ST
#4
#4
AC
#2
Flex 4
Flex 4
Flex 4
#2
#2
#2
#4
ST
#4
Track Clip
#1
Track Clip
HR
HR
Cord
Use cord to cross brace
the base of the ramp.
ST
Figure: Bottom Details
For the bottom of the ramp, attach
Track Clips to the Coaster Track and
then to the #4 beams in the locations
indicated by the arrows in the diagram.
Loosen the Angle Connectors to adjust
the angle of the upward-curved section
at the end of the Coaster Track so that
the Mini Car is able to “jump” to the
top of the landing platform. Tighten the
connectors to keep the angle.
#1
#1
#2
#2
#2
#4
#2
#2
#4
AC
AC
#2
ST
#4
#2
ST
#4
AC
Car Building Jump Details
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Large Structures Set Car Building Jump
Tie the cords
to the
connectors.
Cord
Lace the
cord through
the
connectors.
Cord
Cord
Cord
Tensioning
Clips
Figure: Back of Ramp Details
Tie the
cords.
Lace the
cords.
Cord
Tensioning
Clip
Cord
Tensioning
Clip
Car Building Jump Details
Use cord and Cord Tensioning Clips to cross brace the back of
the ramp.
Tie the cords to the Half Round Connectors near the top of the
ramp,
Lace the cord through holes in the Half Round Connectors that
are between the top and bottom of the back of the ramp.
12
Attach the cords to Cord Tensioning Clips on the bottom connectors.
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Model No. ME-7003 012-12670A Cable Stayed Bridge
Figure: Cable Stayed Bridge
#3
#6
#6
#4
Flat 4
#5
Flat 4
#5
#4
#5
AC
AC
AC
ST
#3
#2
AC
#4
#3
SL
Legend:
AC = Angle Connector
FR = Full Round Connector
FT = Flat Round Connector
HR = Half Round Connector
SL = Sliding Connector
ST = Straight Connector
FT
#4
#3
AC
FR
#2
3 x 4
2 x 3
Tow er s
Deck
Deck
Support
Struct ure
#4
#4
Cord
Tensioning
Clip
Coaster Track
Cable Stayed Bridge
The Cable Stayed Bridge has a d eck that is susp ended on cords fr om two towers. There is a deck support s tructure
at each end of the deck.
The modular approach to the construction of this structure is to build the deck in two halves and also build each
tower and deck support structure before trying to suspend the deck. Do not attach the Coaster Track to the deck
halves yet. Next, insert one half of the deck through one of the towers and use cord to suspend the deck from the
top of the tower. Repeat for the other half of the deck. Connect the ends of the deck halves to the deck support
structures and then connect the deck halves between the towers. Adjust the length of the cords so that the deck is
level. Finally, use T rack Clips to attach the Coaster Track to the finished deck..
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®
Large Structures Set Cable Stayed Bridge
#3
FR
Screw
D
C
B
A
Overhand
knot
Figure: Tower Detail
AC
HR
Cord
Tensioning
Clip
#2
2 x 3
2 x 3
At the middle of the tower, use 2 x 3 beams to cross brace the tower.
ABCD
Figure: Suspend the Deck
DCBA
Cable Stayed Bridge Details
There are eight strands of cord from each side of the top of the tower that are used to suspend each half of the deck.
Start with the strands of cord closest to the tower (for example, A and B in the figure). Get a piece of cord that is
twice as long as the distance from the top of the tower to the deck. Make an overhand knot near the middle of the
piece of cord and fasten the loop of the knot to the Full Round Connector at the top of the tower using a screw as
shown. Put the two ends of the cord into Cord Tensioning Clips and attach the clips to two of the Half Round Connectors on the side of the deck. Repeat the process for strands C and D and the rest of the strands of cord.
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