Tower Bridge
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Build Tower Bridge step by step
Step 1: raise the base of the towers
Set the two towers face to face, three Kapla laid end to end apart. For each one, stand two planks on edge along the bridge, then five across them. Repeat to build four courses.
💡 Astuce : lay the three Kapla on the floor between the towers to measure the gap, then take them away.
Step 2: lay the first step
On each tower, lay two Kapla flat so they jut out towards the middle of the bridge, with two across behind them. This starts the corbel: steps that reach out over the gap.
Step 3: weigh the step down
Slide three planks on edge into the hollow of each tower, then cover them with three Kapla laid flat across. Their weight on the tail of the step keeps it from tipping.
💡 Astuce : this weight is what holds the next step up, without any counterweight.
Step 4: lay the second step
Lay two Kapla flat further out, their back end overlapping the edge of the tower by one plank width. Then fill the top of the tower with Kapla laid across, until its top is closed.
Step 5: build the first pier
On each side, stand four planks upright: this is the first viaduct pier. Lay two Kapla flat from the pier onto the edge of the tower, then one last plank across that edge.
💡 Astuce : a Kapla laid flat over the edge of the tower by one plank width should reach the middle of the pier.
Step 6: open the way for the road
On each tower, build two courses of planks on edge, all running along the bridge: they let the road through.
Step 7: raise the towers again
Build seven more courses on each tower, alternating as at the start: five Kapla across, then two along the bridge.
Step 8: lay the vault
The tower now holds the steps: add the third one. Two Kapla flat right at the end, and one across behind them, against the tower.
Step 9: lay the keystones
Join the two vaults with two rows of three Kapla laid flat, end to end from step to step: these are the keystones.
Step 10: close the middle deck
Cover the keystones with fifteen Kapla laid flat across, tight together. The deck, the road over the bridge, now runs from tower to tower.
Step 11: start the walkway
At the top of the towers, lay a step like the one for the deck: two Kapla flat towards the middle, two across behind. Then slide four planks on edge into the hollow.
Step 12: add the counterweight
Lay one Kapla flat along the bridge over the hollow of each tower: this is the counterweight. Lay the second step, its back end over the tower edge by one plank width, one Kapla across behind it and one on top.
💡 Astuce : without the counterweight, the second step tips over as soon as you lay it.
Step 13: finish the towers
Lay the first course: its two Kapla along the bridge frame the counterweight. Take it off, then build six more courses, alternating direction.
Step 14: close the walkway
Add the third step, two Kapla flat and one across. Join both sides with two rows of three Kapla end to end: this is the walkway, the upper bridge.
Step 15: lay the crown
Cover the top of each tower with five planks laid flat. Add four Kapla on top, leaving the middle one out: that is where the roof will rise.
Step 16: build the roofs
Stand three planks upright in the middle of each tower, and lean two Kapla against each one. Finally stand a turret upright at every corner.
Step 17: carry on with the viaduct
Cover the first arch with four Kapla laid across. Build the second: a pier of four planks one Kapla further on, two Kapla flat on top, five across.
💡 Astuce : lay a plank on the floor to measure the gap between two piers.
Step 18: finish the viaduct
Build three more arches the same way, finishing each one before the next. The last pier sits under the end of the bridge. Your Tower Bridge is finished!
Frequently asked questions
This model takes 385 Kapla planks: 148 for the towers, 60 for the corbels and their keystones, 60 for the viaduct, 73 for the deck and 44 for the crowns and roofs. Keep 2 spare planks for the counterweight, one per tower.
The corbel steps reach out over the gap and tip over until something weighs down their tail, under the tower. For the deck, the planks in the hollow and the top of the tower, laid from the first step, are enough. For the walkway, one Kapla laid over the hollow of each tower holds the second step until the first course. In the pictures, it is shown in yellow.
From 10 years old, with patience: it is the biggest model in the catalogue. The tricky part is the corbel: an adult can help the first time.
Who are we?
Pol-Valentin
Maïlys
Pol-Valentin and Maïlys, two Kapla enthusiasts behind Kaplea. We create models, printable sheets and guides so that every family finds its inspiration.
Learn more about KapleaThe set we recommend for this model
The 200-plank Kapla barrel: the ideal size to get started and build every one of our easy models.
39,90 €
View on AmazonStay inspired!
New building ideas, exclusive models, Kapla challenges: join our community and get up to 4 newsletters a year.
Who are we?
Pol-Valentin
Maïlys
Pol-Valentin and Maïlys, two Kapla enthusiasts behind Kaplea. We create models, printable sheets and guides so that every family finds its inspiration.
Learn more about KapleaThe set we recommend for this model
The 200-plank Kapla barrel: the ideal size to get started and build every one of our easy models.
39,90 €
View on AmazonStay inspired!
New building ideas, exclusive models, Kapla challenges: join our community and get up to 4 newsletters a year.
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