advice on raised bridge options

[HopperSJ]

I have settled on a new layout design and need some advice. I will have a series of loops which cross over or under one another. In one such crossover I cannot have the upper level of rack high enough for a train to cross under without clipping the track above it. I will truly have only about 2 inches of clearance (obviously not enough for O gauge) so I am checking my options. I am building with Fastrack, but am willing to transition to tubular or another option if need be. Right now the only option I am looking at is the Lionel raising drawbridge from the early 2000's. I have never seen one, but hope it will work. Does anyone else have another idea? What other raising bridges are out there?

[mitchelr]

I am not sure if you are into Hi-rail with modern scenery, but something like this Marx Bridge might work.



I saw one on e-bay that sold for under $20 a few weeks back. Definitely not automatic by any standard. I love mine, although I could not make it work on my current layout.

Mitch[:)]

[HopperSJ]

Is that a crank I see sticking up on the base? Unfortunately, the bridge will not be easily accessible so I really am looking for something automatic. Nice looking bridge, though. Thanks.

[RRCharlie]

I have one of Lionel's lift bridges. It is a fine accessory and would serve your purpose well.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Back in the mid 70's Lionel made a small draw bridge that might work for your situation. Lionel's bascule bridge won't work because of it's base.

[fwright]

I have one of the draw bridges Big Boy mentions. It is made with O27 track and is 18 inches long. It has 3 piers for the grade on each side - it takes 4 sections of track to reach bridge height. The 1st section on each side of the bridge generally needs to be a straight piece to avoid engines/cars hitting the draw bridge supersturcture - makes for a total of 36 inches straight track for the upper track. The base is set up for an O27 piece of track to cross under the draw bridge at a 90 degree angle. Again, must be at least one straight piece underneath the bridge.

I believe the bridge has contacts so that you can set up isolated automatic stopping sections for the upper and lower tracks, depending on whether the bridge is open or closed. Problem with the automatic stopping sections is cycling of e-units, but that's better than going against the bridge in the wrong position!

No, I'm not selling mine! I've never used it as a crossing yet due to space constraints - just as an elevated section with a draw bridge, and that's still been plenty fun. I have plans to use it as a centerpiece accessory should I ever get 2 4x8 tables in an L configuration.

yours in accessorizing
Fred W

[rlplionel]

Here's a couple of Lift Bridges from Lionel for your consideration. The first one is Lionel's Lift Bridge from 2002. Will be easier to find this one than the second one..



The second one is Lionel's Lift Bridge from the early 1990's. Will be harder to find one of these.



I suppose you could also consider a Swing Bridge. The LCCA purchased the remaining Swing Bridge inventory and is selling them for $110 plus $25 shipping. Great deal if you can use one. And a great incentive to join the LCCA.



Robert
http://home.surewest.net/rlplionel/Robert.htm

[Big_Boy_4005]

So, Fred ain't sellin, huh? [swg] Tease!!!

I went and looked it up anyway. The 2317 drawbridge was made from 1976 thru 1981. Plan to spend around $125 for a nice one. That's way cheaper than you'll ever find the lift bridge. Check Ebay. Good luck.

[HopperSJ]

Thanks for all the feedback. Great shots rlplionel. I think I admired some of your bridges a few months back when you posted some shots of your layout another time. I was thinking of you when I was trying to get a grasp on what was out there. unfortunately, my demands are pretty tight. Space is limited for this overpass. I think the LIONEL #14173 DRAWBRIDGE is what I need. It is discontinued, but is still around online. I have seen it run anywhere from $129 (regular price) to $59 (close out price) at various online hobby shops. I think I will just pick one up and see what happens. I could always ebay it[8D] Thanks again!

[HopperSJ]

Who-hoooo!

I found the 14173 DRAWBRIDGE mint in box on eBay for $45.00. I ended up paying $60, but I think it is a great deal. I hope it ends up being exactly what I want when it gets here. Otherwise, back on eBay...But for now I'm stoked!