Gingerbread Exchange Community

Discussion Forum => Gingerbread Q & A => Topic started by: lynnsey on November 13, 2017, 07:08:18 pm

Title: internal support
Post by: lynnsey on November 13, 2017, 07:08:18 pm
Hi!  My daughter is attempting to replicate Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben clock.  It's a tall and skinny piece.  (4' wide by 18" tall)    Contest rules do allow nonedible internal supports as long as they are completely covered in edible product.  Are rice cereal treats my best option for keeping the sides from collapsing?  I'm also considering having her make a cardboard replica.  Then she can attach the gingerbread to the cardboard.  I just don't know how sturdy it will be.  Thanks.
Title: Re: internal support
Post by: katepilki on November 16, 2017, 07:55:07 pm
I've never made something that tall and skinny - but when I made a lighthouse I used food-grade wood doweling rods that were drilled into the base to keep them firmly placed.  I have also used balsa wood that I covered with alfoil (for food protection) when I needed something wider than a doweling rod.  Balsa wood is light and firm so will give structural support without adding significant weight to your finished product.

I think the rice crispy treats would work a treat (;)) for structural integrity - BUT it will make your finished product quite heavy!

Let us know how you get along - would love the see pics of it when it's done.
Title: Re: internal support
Post by: CWalton on November 27, 2017, 11:40:14 am
My design last year needed support, so I used brass rods we got from a hardware store.  The good news is they are lightweight and can be quite long.  My husband drilled holes into my base (piece of wood with a layer of candy on top) and I built around the rods. (See below photos) My structure was layers of gingerbread, but I like your daughter's idea of RKT, lighter and easier for big construction!
Title: Re: internal support
Post by: CWalton on November 27, 2017, 04:24:25 pm
BTW, is she doing the Houses of Parliment between, or just the two towers? If the houses, that will give the structure a good bit of support as well at the lower part of the towers.