Bridge challenge

John, I moved this topic to the proper forum.  It is not a discussion about 3-rail scale trains rather it fits better in the layout planning forum.

I have two lift bridges on my layout, one is the Mianne power lift-bridge, the other is the one I just added to get to my freight yard.

In both cases, lining up the tracks is fairly simple, you build the bridge and perfect it's function, then lay the track like the bridge isn't there.  Once the track is laid, I used a Dremel to cut the tracks at the junction, and since they were secured on both sides, they line up perfectly when either bridge is closed.

The freight yard bridge has hinges that are above the track head so that the track swings away from the cut when you lift the bridge.  The track on the opposing side (left) is cut at a slight angle so that it won't clash as the bridge is lifted.  Brass aligning pins keep the bridge in perfect alignment at the left side, the hinges do the same on the right side.  Note that there are ten tracks on the freight yard bridge, and all of them line up perfectly and the transition onto and off of the bridge is as smooth as regular track.

Mianne power Lift Bridge

Manual Lift Bridge To Freight Yard

There is a chapter in Jim Barrett’s book about how to do this.

CLICK HERE.

Very helpful. Interesting how you manage to align all those tracks. That is an awesome setup. Thanks for the ideas.

The tracks had to be aligned when they were one track, and I then screwed them down near the bridge separation,  When they were cut, they were aligned by default.  On the other end, the hinges keep that part in line, they were laid and cut the same way.

You will notice the .05 thick spacers on the left side of the bridge.  The Homasote on the freight yard is a true 1/2" thick and the Baltic Birch multi-ply is 11mm. thick.  That gave me about a .05" difference in height, I took the cheap way out when I discovered that issue.

The only thing that remains is adding the contacts on the bridge to bring power to the freight yard.  I picked up these spring loaded test contacts to mount on the freight yard side, they'll project about .1" above the mating surface and contact flat plates on the underside of the moving bridge to carry power to the freight yard.  That way I don't need any power coming across the floor to power the freight yard.

John, Take a look at this topic  lift up bridge  I just commented on it, but will show mine again.  It is closely based on what mike g. shared here on the Forum using a linear actuator and lifts two bridges separated by 7 inches elevation.  IT is rather crude when compared to gunrunnerjohn's but works.

Thank you both GunrunnerJohn and Mark. I think I got the power transfer solved. I’ll probably go with a piano hinge deal. Now I’ll need a bridge.

I set these girder bridge sections in a manner where I can turn it into a lift gate for me to pass through. I’m just wondering if it looks good before I cut everything up.

Well, it looks a little "unsupported"!  In the real world, there would be a pier under the bridge sections.

Yeah looking at it up closer looks even more unrealistic. If the sections are one piece will probably make more realistic.

I did have another plan but I found these metal bridges new in a box 4 for $25. I thought I can use these type bridges as an alternative to a full bridge. I am going with a full bridge.

Good decision.  You've done such a nice job with the bents and other layout elements shown in the photosm you'd regret not using a more prototypical bridge.