Which of the following does not support the idea that Eads was in the right place?

The statement regarding the construction of prefabricated models for repairs of the St. Louis Bridge does not support the idea that Eads was in the right place. While building prefabricated models demonstrates Eads' engineering prowess, it does not inherently indicate that he was in the right place at the right time regarding broader contributions or the successful implementation of his vision in the context of his career or impact on infrastructure.

In contrast, pioneering new engineering techniques and influencing major infrastructure decisions clearly reinforce the idea that Eads was influential and successful in his field, suggesting that he was well-positioned in terms of his career trajectory and the technological advancements of his time. His projects facing frequent challenges could highlight the obstacles he had to overcome, which might indicate that despite the difficulties, he remained a significant figure in engineering. Therefore, option C stands out as the least supportive of the notion that Eads was particularly well-placed for success in his endeavors.