313 Bascule Bridge

Dan,  Try to find a copy of "Toy Train Repair Made Easy", by Ray L Plumber (Kalmbach Publishing).  It contains an excellent section on the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of the 313 bridge.     Earl G.

Thanks.  I'll do a search.  

Dan , try this and see if it helps.

Lionel Parts posted:

Dan , try this and see if it helps.

 

Yep, got it.  Thanks.

So does the book, Toy Train Repair made Easy, have any more information than the Luppold printing ?

https://ogrforum.com/...e%20by%20Luppold.pdf

After a bit of lubrication, with oil, on the visible armature shafts and the shaft of the cam that controls the contacts, the operation is quieter and smoother.  I would like to get into the gear box inside of the tower, but I hesitate to lift the lid for fear of parts flying.  The previous owner did had not operated the bridge for fifteen years.  

Dan,   The pdf is more oriented toward setup and operation while the article by Plumber leans toward repair.  The pdf does contain a parts list which is very helpful and good information on assembly / disassembly of the bridge.  The article by Plumber does have an excellent wiring diagram of this accessory and gives a very good explanation of the mechanical and electrical functioning of its parts.  If you have repaired a Lionel "O gauge" uncoupling track controller, you should have no problem with the wafer switch disassembly, they are similar.  If you have ever worked on a Lionel 397 coal loader gearbox or a 364 lumber loader gearbox, you should have no problem with the 313 gearbox.     Earl G.

Where can I find a controler for the 313 bridge?

Thanks,

Harry

A Lionel 96C or a 90 controller wired between terminals #2 and #3 should work.   Earl G.

I have 313 Bascule Bridge.  I need to learn how to connect the end of the comutator to the end of the armature that raises the bridge.

Dan,  I have rebuilt a couple 313 Bascule bridges and they are not that complicated.  I used the Luppold printing and inspection of one bridge assembly for working on the other.  The gearbox has no springs inside and simple to disassemble for cleaning and relubrication.  One bridge I have (that had been completely repainted silver!) was a prewar grey version.  The gearbox on the prewar is different from the postwar, and is a more "direct drive".  I enjoy my two bridges, both work fine and have been able to maintain one in original condition.  

Jesse   TCA

My Bascule is a Post War 313-46.  The motor works great.  I need advice on connecting the motor drive to the arm that lifts the bridge.

lightningstripe posted:

A Lionel 96C or a 90 controller wired between terminals #2 and #3 should work.   Earl G.

There is also a way to control the bridge remotely using the Lionel Accessory Switch Controller. If anyone is interested I’ll e-mail you a copy of the instructions.

Also, there is an OTT Machine Shop Bascule Bridge sound system for sale on e-bay if anyone is interested. OTT made the best bridge sound.