Layout build update frame

you could create a newly laid but not connected to the mainline scene using the bridge.

or an abandoned line going?  just a few thoughts I had

I was thinking of that but would still like trains to go through.

Ask gunrunnerjohn or stan2004 to provide a circuit and components for a loud bell or other audio alarm with lights on the approach tracks to the bascule bridge that triggers a reed switch with a magnet on the GGI and is turned off or never actuated when the diversion switches are set to avoid the bridge.

Question:  will a LIONEL GG1 safely traverse the bascule bridge with the pantographs down?    

okay how about a manual ground throw to those switches? that way your in complete control of where that engine goes.

That's a great idea if it would work thanks

Obviously the only real issue here is running with the pantograph(s) up.  Otherwise there's loads of headroom through the 313 for a GG1 with the pantographs down.

Solution: Build 3 sections of catenary on both approaches and through the bridge.  Have the fake live wire height at either approach begin higher than the raised pantograph and slowly dip to just below bridge height clearance.  The live wire will push down on the pantograph on approach allowing it to clear without fully collapsing and then raise again once the engine has passed through.  Of course the middle section of live wire attached to the bridge structure will need to be separate from either end so that the structure can still be raised.

Fun project....one I plan on doing for my fleet of GG1's anywhere there are low bridges, overpasses and tunnel portals.  I'll probably end up having the entire layout under wire eventually.

Bruce

Great idea when I get the lay out to that point I will have to figure this out