Bascule Bridge help

[Anonymous]

You guys seem to be very knowledgeble and I am rather new to the hobby. I have a bascule bridge that is new (a remake) and it goes up perfectly and goes down great but will not shut off. ANy suggestions?

[Chris F]

You appear to be missing the instruction supplement, Lionel #71-2948-251, which includes information for adjusting bridge travel.

"If the bridge lowers and does not switch off before the clutch activates, make this adjustment. First remove the four screws holding the cap on the pivot point of the bridge (shed side). Remove the cap. To RAISE the stop position, turn the adjustment screw clockwise 1/4 turn at a time. HOLD THE CAP IN PLACE when running the bridge to verify your adjustment."

The adjustment screw is located in the arm of the cam that activates the stop switch.

I'm sure you could get Lionel to e-mail or fax a copy of the supplement.

[Anonymous]

WOW, you are awesome. Thanks for the GREAT information. Can I push my luck here, I have a Lionel Hot Dog Stand that "sticks", I tried additional lube but to no avail. It seems to run better when i tilt it a bit but I certainly dont want to have a crooked Hot Dog Stand on my layout. Any ideas? THANKS AGAIN!

[Chris F]

Additional lube??? Oooh Nooo!!!

The only place my Frank's Hot Dog Stand that is lubricated is the straight gear teeth below the fire hydrant. Note that this is as far as possible from the rubber pulley. IMO, lube probably wasn't needed there, either. It has a nasty habit of migrating to pulleys, decreasing the grip.

You removed the roof to see the mechanism underneath. Remove the hydrant (pull straight up) and the dog. Remove the five screws from the bottom of the base, then remove the superstructure, being careful to fit it around the man with the hot dog. Now inspect all gears and slots for debris. I suspect the original problem was a piece of plastic in one of the gears. Remove all lubricant from the pulley area. Test run the stand before replacing the superstructure, and continue inspecting/cleaning if necessary.

BTW, when replacing the screws into the plastic posts, turn the screws counterclockwise until you feel them drop. This will prevent the screws from cutting new threads and extend the life of the posts.