Lift Bridges

[greyhound joe]

Hi everyone,

I want to install a lift bridge across the door way in my train room.

Do any of you know how to accomplish this, or where I can find

some how to plans?

Thank You, Greyhound Joe

[Phoebe Vet]

 Try this thread:

http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/t/90072.aspx?PageIndex=1

There are plans in an on line article, too but I can't find it at the moment.

[ndbprr]

 

Rather than a bridge I would make a hinged gate or lift out section.  My experience is sooner or later someone will damage that bridge unless it is of pretty heavy metal.  If there is a door on the room a section could be mounted to the door and swing open with it.

[Phoebe Vet]

I agree.  I have a swing gate.

 

[greyhound joe]

Hi, Just wanted to thank you for responding.

The swing gate I cannot use, not enough room.

I will check out the web site.

Thanks again, Greyhound Joe

[cowman]

Welcome to the forums.

The simplist lift gate I have ever seen is on a portable layout one of the clubs that sets up at shows near here. 

Unlike most plans that hide the hinges underneath the surface, there are two right on top.    The lift swings up easily and sets into a slot on the opposite side.  There is an electrical disconnect extending in both directions so that when the bridge is up, enough track is disconnected to prevent trains from taking a dive.  It is secured at the opening end with a dead bolt. 

Because the hinges are on top they need to be covered.  They use an old piece of well worn carpet.  It looks very much like a rough plowed field that has been neglected, after they colored it and added various ground foam textures to it.  You could also put a removeable building over each hinge.

At both ends they have rerailers to assure good crossing, though it is well held in place.  I think it just adds security because this is a portable layout.

Very simple and seems to work well for them.  There are many threads here on the fourms if you search the box to the right.  Also, you will find some articles by going to Recources above, then clicking on Index of Magazines, then search for the various terms used, lift up, drop down, swing gate, lift out,....

Good luck,

[wedudler]

 This is my lift bridge:

 

More at this site.

Wolfgang

[Robby P.]

 I use a lift out.  I did have  aduck-under, but sometimes my back hit the bottom.   Boy that doesn't feel good at all.

 I use a re-railer  at each end of the lift out.  It works real good.  Plus this is the first time I've ever done a lift out.

[el-capitan]

I have several. The first is a dead-end lift up. I don't have any other recent pics but it now has a section house and track speeder permanently attached.

Next is a lift-out that I was not able to hinge because of the ceiling height. I use a door hinge on both ends and engage the pin to keep it secure.

I have 2 others that I don't have pictures of, if I get a chance I will post.