Background
Built in 1836 by John Weaver for a cost of $3200, the structure crossing the creek near Sharpsburg, Maryland was first called the Rohrbach Bridge. On a bloody September day in 1862, Confederates held back forces commanded by Union General Ambrose Burnside in a three hour action. After the war, Antietam Creek was crossed via a now renamed Burnside Bridge and was actually in use for vehicular traffic as late as 1966 when it was finally turned into a pedestrian only path as part of the Antietam National Battlefield park.
1862 The charge across the Burnside Bridge--Antietam
Library of Congress
Battle of Antietam - Taking of the Bridge on Antietam Creek
Library of Congress
Yesterday we covered the Marx so-called 'Burnside Bridge' a two-arch structure, but as you can see in these contemporary photos, the original is three-arch.
Most of the period photos were labeled 'Antietam Bridge' while some were labeled 'Burnside Bridge'
Library of Congress
This is a good view of the south-east end of the bridge showing the splayed roadway to good benefit
Library of Congress
A rather high shot. Could it have taken from a balloon?
Library of Congress
Library of Congress
The Toy
Set contents:
-22pc Bridge
-Union: 6 figures in 6 poses
-Confederate: 6 figures in 6 poses
The first step is to scrape off all the 'flash' (excess plastic which has seeped out of the mold halves)
Both edges of the roadway pieces are molded in a wedge shape which fits into a channel on the inside of the bridge side pieces. It's a pretty good system that helps lock everything into place.
Assembly progresses
There are two concave splice plates which fit into the angled wall section - on the inside
The straight splice plates go into straight side sections
The finished bridge
32" (81.3cm) L x 6 1/2" (16.5cm) W x 4" (10.2cm) H
Comparison shot: Americana and Marx bridges
As you can see, the bridge takes up a respectable amount of real estate.
Confederates
General James Longstreet
Included in several Americana sets, Gen Longstreet did in fact play an important role in the Battle of Antietam
Flag Bearer
Advancing, Rifle Across Chest
Advancing, Rifle at Side
Advancing, rifle Across Chest, 2nd Pose
Walking Casually
Union
General Winfield Scott Hancock
Included in several Americana sets, Gen Hancock did in fact play an important role in the Battle of Antietam
Flag Bearer
Advancing, Rifle Across Chest
Marching, Rifle at Left Shoulder Arms
Standing, Rifle at Side
Walking Casually
Enjoy! Bettina Fritz Berg :)
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