That would be the reed version, same as mine, sorry to report.
The circuit I set up is very very simple. I took out the reed board and connected the wires directly to the moror.
Below is the circuit I may replace it with. My original circuit just had 1 SPDT micro switch & 1 diode in parallel. I put the microswitch at the far end of the bridge near the pier end cap. When the bridge came down, it would press on the microswitch cutting current. However reversing the current would still allow it to come up because of the diode. In my original circuit, you would have to stop it manually once it reached the top.
If I were to do it again, I would use two of the micro switch circuits and a rotating cam attached to the side of the bridge pivot point. That way it would stop when it reaches the top. (See diagram below)
I'll get you photos of my circuit if you have any question.
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
HobbyDr Rich, I didn't mean to discourage you. I'm someone who assembles models in the order that suits my whim. This model is one that absolutely, positively has to be built exactly in the order the instructions require. And this isn't a 'pick-up/put-down' project. Only start a step if you have the time to completely finish. It just required a lot of concentration. It was a humbling, yet satisfying experience. Actually, it's not over. I had just finished the sub-asemblies when something came up, so I still have final-assembly and painting to do. Good Luck Don
Rich, I didn't mean to discourage you. I'm someone who assembles models in the order that suits my whim. This model is one that absolutely, positively has to be built exactly in the order the instructions require. And this isn't a 'pick-up/put-down' project. Only start a step if you have the time to completely finish. It just required a lot of concentration. It was a humbling, yet satisfying experience. Actually, it's not over. I had just finished the sub-asemblies when something came up, so I still have final-assembly and painting to do. Good Luck
Don
Don,
Thanks for that. I didn't find your comments discouraging at all. I found them helpful because my reaction was too take my time and go at it in an organized manner.
I have built a lot of structures over the past seven years for my layout but never a bridge.
Ironically, I have two of the Walthers Cornerstone Double Truss Bridges, and they were the first two structures on my layout, but my wife volunteered to build them for me. Maybe I should implore her to build this monster.
Rich
Alton Junction
HobbyDr's Workbench
DigitalGriffin The reed switch comes out of the motor house and extends to the right side bridge lift beam. If you look inside the motor house it contains a circuit board with two diodes. The reed switch sweeps across the surface of this board. I have yet to see the microswitch model. From the sounds of it, I hope you got the later edition. It's really not that maddening. This was like the 5th kit I put together, and I didn't have any real problems other than inserting the bridge pivot pins. I have thought about redoing mine a second time, and inserting a "cam" on the side of the bridge, and hiding the switches with the bridge house. If you want a closeup picture of any of the assemblies, let me know.
The reed switch comes out of the motor house and extends to the right side bridge lift beam. If you look inside the motor house it contains a circuit board with two diodes. The reed switch sweeps across the surface of this board.
I have yet to see the microswitch model. From the sounds of it, I hope you got the later edition.
It's really not that maddening. This was like the 5th kit I put together, and I didn't have any real problems other than inserting the bridge pivot pins.
I have thought about redoing mine a second time, and inserting a "cam" on the side of the bridge, and hiding the switches with the bridge house.
If you want a closeup picture of any of the assemblies, let me know.
DG,
Here are two photos of the motor with the reed switch showing on one photo and the two diodes showing in the other photo.
I am interested in how you integrated the motor into the bridge and what modifications, if any, you made to the electronic setup (e.g.micro switches, 12 volt motor, etc.).
HobbyDr I have it and it is the most maddening model I have ever built. They must have made two versions (mine had a micro switches, not reed) because in some steps, the parts didn't match up with the instructions. If you take your time, you can figure out how it should go. The thing that irked me the most was the prominent mold lines in the structural shapes. Many I was able to scrape off, but for a lot I cut thin pieces of styrene and covered them up. I'm fighting the flu, but I'll try to get downstairs and snap some pictures. Don
I have it and it is the most maddening model I have ever built. They must have made two versions (mine had a micro switches, not reed) because in some steps, the parts didn't match up with the instructions. If you take your time, you can figure out how it should go. The thing that irked me the most was the prominent mold lines in the structural shapes. Many I was able to scrape off, but for a lot I cut thin pieces of styrene and covered them up. I'm fighting the flu, but I'll try to get downstairs and snap some pictures.
Hope you feel better soon. Thanks for the reply. I look forward to your photos.
Yes, there were two releases on the Walthers Bascule Bridge. I bought mine new from a dealer on eBay and now I am not sure if I have the early version or the later version. So far, I have only opened the box and read through the instructions. So, I am not sure if I have the reed switches or the micro switches.
That was less than encouraging to read of your difficulties in assembling the bridge. I will watch out for that problem.
I hope to have this bridge be an operating model. It will be placed on a lift out section that crosses an aisle. So, I need to learn more about the motor and the switches. The two YouTube videos and text speak of differences between a 6 volt motor and a 12 volt motor and reed switches versus micro switches. I have a learning curve facing me.
DigitalGriffin Yes I have built it. The reed switch in the bridge building is worthless. It's totally not reliable. This is a common complaint. There are several alternatives available. A favorite is a single pole double throw pressure contact switch (microswitch) at the end of the bridge. However you have to be careful to not raise the bridge too high. http://www.surplustraders.net/a/0113.shtml There are two metal pins which the bridge rotate around. Don't force these through, as they will bend. Widen the hole a little if you need to. I can get you the downward auto stopping circuit if you need it rich. I designed it myself -D
Yes I have built it.
The reed switch in the bridge building is worthless. It's totally not reliable. This is a common complaint.
There are several alternatives available. A favorite is a single pole double throw pressure contact switch (microswitch) at the end of the bridge. However you have to be careful to not raise the bridge too high.
http://www.surplustraders.net/a/0113.shtml
There are two metal pins which the bridge rotate around. Don't force these through, as they will bend. Widen the hole a little if you need to.
I can get you the downward auto stopping circuit if you need it rich. I designed it myself
-D
Thanks for that photo.
I have read elsewhere that the reed switch is totally unreliable and that the early version used a 6 volt motor. The later version uses a 12 volt motor and micro switches.
The fellow in this video worked up a more reliable 12 volt motor.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMRde4RQ2pg&feature=related
Any help or advice with the circuit that you designed would be most appreciated.
Rich,
I look forward to seeing your finished project!
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
woodman Rich, There is a video on U tube of it, just google Walthers Bascule Bridge.
There is a video on U tube of it, just google Walthers Bascule Bridge.
woodman,
Thanks. There are two videos of the bridge in motion, pretty cool.
That helped a lot to give me a good look at the assembled bridge and the various colors of the components.
I have purchased a Walthers Cornerstone Bascule Bridge (933-3070), and I am preparing to begin assembly.
Does anyone that has the bridge built on their layout care to share photos? It would be much appreciated.
Also, any comments or advice on the construction of this bridge, including any difficulties encountered, would be welcome.