by Winslow

The Rialto Bridge opened in 1591 and is the oldest and most celebrated of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal in Venice. It is a wide bridge, containing two rows of shops, with a stepped street between them. There are also narrower steps at either side for those who wish to avoid the crowded centre passage.

The model is a fairly large one (41cm. x 29cm. x 13cm. high) containing 24 individual parts. (See the lettered diagram above. Note that it is not entirely symmetrical.) You will need two copies each of parts C, H, L, P, Q & R, and one copy of all the other parts. Most of the parts have pegs and slots to help with positioning, and will need to be fixed together permanently with dabs of Superglue.

Recommended order of assembly is as follows: Begin with the base parts (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) then add the balustrades (K, L, M, N, O) and the three corner steps (H x2 & J). Finally, add the two rows of shops and the centre arches (P, Q, R). The shops (P & Q) slot into the gaps between the steps, but note that the sides with the shop-fronts (identifiable by the recessed doorways,) should all face towards the centre of the model.

The model in the photos was printed on my Makerbot Replicator +, using a Smart Extruder + and Tough PLA, at the default settings of 10% infill and a layer height of 0.2mm. All parts are best printed in the orientation shown. No supports are required, but a raft is helpful.

APPROXIMATE PRINT TIMES:
Parts A, C & D - 2h. 53m.
Part B - 3h. 24m.
Part E - 2h. 08m.
Part F - 1h. 75m.
Part G - 1h. 40m.
Parts H & J - 1h. 23m.
Parts K & M - 1h. 50m.
Parts L - 0h. 29m.
Parts N & O - 1h. 39m.
Parts P & Q - 5h. 10m.
Part R - 2h. 24m.