The local normal physical model is adopted to study the local scour (problems) on project in the tidal estuary for the first time. The results show that: 1) It is feasible to apply the local normal physical model to study the engineering problems in the tidal estuary; 2) Choice of the test hydraulic conditions, determination of model boundary condition and entire variable slope of the model are the key techniques to apply the local normal physical model to the engineering problems in the tidal estuary; 3) A simple and feasible method to determine model boundary condition is presented; 4) The necessity and method of applying entire variable slope of the model are expounded.