Home made swing up bridge

[Boyd]

I have made a very simple swing up bridge out of 2x4s, 1/4" bolts and plywood. I removed the 027 track I had on it and screwed down Fastrack straight sections with power leads to them. The bolt hinge point is 2-5/8" above the top of the plywood. When swinging up/down the sections seem to go together pretty well other than one outside pin gouging a little into the plastic under the inside of the rail tube. I'm still unsure as to how I  will  setup the track on the other end of the  swing section. I  might get  a Fastrack to "O" gauge transition piece to mate up with the permanent track on the layout. I  might modify the track so  the rails are staggered like on Fastrack so I don't have trouble with my MPC engines reversing all by themselves.

[ChiefEagles]

Not quite sure of the question.  Just run jumpers wires with the same transformer or block to the other side.  If the gap is not too wide, no problem with the pickups "bridging" across any gaps.  Wires can be made to make contact to meatal strips attached to the wood bridge, so when closed, will make contact/  I like the big plug "rig".  Just plug it in when you close the bridge.  OGR Back Shop video has a good one shown.

[Tcaindy]

I too made a custom lift bridge. I used a MTH plastic hellgate with double track. It looks great and works wonderfully. It will carry even the heaviest of loco's. I have pictures of the bridge. Actually I have two of them the lower let's 4 trains go over it. I used a bar type latch and hinge to let it lower. the MTH swings up. I have not installed the cable and motor to raise and lower yet.

[Poppa_Zit]

Here's a how-to photo essay on building and wiring a lift-up bridge. It is two rail S gauge, but one of the better methods I've seen. Just click on the link below -- the album is the one in the top row, center: 

Liftup bridge