Grades, Bridges, and Switches, oh my

Rather than raising the bridge, can you cut your table or bench work and lower the river?

Yes, but it's an Atlas Bridge, the double girder one, and even when flat on the bench it's still a little bit of a rise. I'm also try to keep my benchwork uncut, but it's not the most important if there is a significant improvement in avoiding the grade.

Yup, that's the one. I think I still prefer it to be raised and paint the wood instead of cutting out. On a side note, do you lift the bridge in and out to access the door with any regularity? The bridge seems pretty delicate to me and the plastic always makes some noise with any movement.

You won't have any problem with the rise or being on a curve.  If that's what you want, just do it.  It won't bring you any problems unless you run at 100 mph.  Have a smooth transition into and out of the bridge.  Most of the precautions you hear are bs.  The trains actually do stay on the tracks.

This is very interesting, thinking about doing the same thing!  Only issue is i am using Realtrax.

What are you doing to prevent destruction or serious tweaking of the bridge when someone forces the door open and the bridge is down?