Shelf layout track crossing opening dorway

[loconut35]

I solved the problem with a "lift bridge" I constructed. I takes less than 10 seconds to open or close it - (by hand) the bridge serves as a stop on one side and an insert with a hole and foam so rolling stock is not damaged if it runs into it. It hooks in the verticla position along the door caseing. I use an Atlas bridge to keep any derailed cars from "the plunge". It would take too long to describe but if interested I could take photos and attach to an email. Lynn

[rrinker]

Well, since you've been in construction, perhaps you've seen one of those 'ticket window' type of doors, where it is set up like a Dutch door but the lower section has a small shelf attached. The only other thing you need to add for the trains (besides the track) is a microswitch or some sort of electrical contact so that the power is shut off not only to the track on the shelf, but the approach on either side as well, so in case you forget to close the door securely and start running trains, you won't have to make a flying leap across the room to stop that pile of locomotives and rolling stock from plunging to the floor. I've also seen people use physical stops at the open edge, mechanically interlocked with the shelf. A broken coupler sure beats a smashed locomotive.

--Randy

[Anonymous]

Hey Guys and Gals,
I need to know where I can find out the best way to cross an outward opening doorway with my two shelf new layout. My area is 5'x 58' with a 8'x 7' bump out midtrack on one side. I intend to have towns at each end and industry along the way. I have aquired a rotory dumper model from Walthers and the wood chip cars to dump salt tablets into our water softner (treatment plant) from the mines (40 lb bag of tablets).
I am disabled but not in a wheelchair. Ducking under a lower track is out of the question, so I need a way to move at least two main track rails out of the way and return them to working position.
I know I have seen articles adressing this situation in the mag, but don't have all the issues and need some helping hands for this matter. I gotta get some of this 600 feet of flextrack laid so I can run some trains while the rest of the layout progresses. Thank goodness the wife is into scenery. I just wanna run some trains. We do not have a bunch of options as far as hobby shops down here in the Ozarks, but I have been in construction during almost all of my working life and have learned how to make due.
Thank you,
Eric