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Lionel 14167 Lift Bridge

PR Principal RailRookieOGR Forum Member
I have found a couple of you tube videos and some pictures of this bridge, but unfortunately I could not really determine the detail or build quality of this item. I have read this lift bridge is a "tin-plate" piece. The tin plate items that I have seen looked more "toyish" than realistic.

So...for those that are lucky enough to own this bridge, would you say it looks more realistic or toy-like?

thank you for your feedback!
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H Hancock52OGR Forum Member
Despite being made of stamped parts and having the big gold gears on top, this is (IMHO) one of Lionel's best accessories and if you have room will enhance any layout. I've never had a mechanical or electronics issue with mine although the low clearance means you can't run some bigger engines\cars through it. The earlier and bigger 1990s plastic version (I think the item number is 6-12782) has higher clearance but (a) is not really more realistic and (b) has antiquated electronics.
B bigo426OGR Forum Member
I have one on my layout. The clearance is so low that a postwar Lionel Giraffe car can not pass through it without hurting the giraffe. Also prewar wheel flanges ride too deep and hit the ties on the center section. The LED warning lites burn out quickly on many bridges and are no longer available from Lionel. Also last time I checked they were out of replacement motors too. I ground a notch in the lowest cross members so my giraffe car can pass thru without decapitating the giraffe's ears. I also ground down each tie with my Dremel tool on the lift span in order to accomodate my few prewar trains.
Dave45681Dave45681OGR Forum Member
quote:
Originally posted by J Daddy:
This one is over due for a re-issue. One with better clearance. I noticed that a K line smoking caboose will lose its smoke stack passing through Frown

Otherwise a neat accessory.


I had the same unexpected experience (knew that obviously double stack cars, TTUX, Schnabels, etc would not fit).

I think for me it was the PRR caboose from the 3 pack of cars meant to go with the little A5 switcher several years ago.

I still remain in general a fan of the bridge though. Looks good as long as you are willing to realize certain things won't fit through it.

(I am also a fan of the 6-12782 variety, and it does have more clearance)

-Dave
Ron BlumeRon BlumeOGR Forum Member
quote:
Originally posted by bigo426:
I have one on my layout. The clearance is so low that a postwar Lionel Giraffe car can not pass through it without hurting the giraffe. Also prewar wheel flanges ride too deep and hit the ties on the center section. The LED warning lites burn out quickly on many bridges and are no longer available from Lionel. Also last time I checked they were out of replacement motors too. I ground a notch in the lowest cross members so my giraffe car can pass thru without decapitating the giraffe's ears. I also ground down each tie with my Dremel tool on the lift span in order to accomodate my few prewar trains.


Forgive me, but I woulda cut off the GIRAFFE's EARS...the bridge is worth hundreds...the giraffe is worth zippo...or I simply woulda ran the giraffe around the bridge or let him swim across. Doesn't anyone on here think outside the box??? Frown
B bigo426OGR Forum Member
quote:
Originally posted by Ron Blume:
Forgive me, but I woulda cut off the GIRAFFE's EARS...the bridge is worth hundreds...the giraffe is worth zippo...or I simply woulda ran the giraffe around the bridge or let him swim across. Doesn't anyone on here think outside the box??? Frown


My giraffe survived 48 or so years with all its apendages! It didn't live this long to be decapitated by some poorly thought out contraption from overseas!
I thought long and hard about taking the grind wheel to the bridge structure and after much late night deliberation it was decided that the bridge from abroad will never hold its value - especially if I can't replace the motor the day it breaks down. So I put the grind stone to it. I actually think it's an improvement! That's real outside the box thinking... Besides, I don't have the room to re-route my mainline to avoid the low clearance.
John23John23OGR Forum Member
I would consider it more realistic then toy like. I have it as well as the swing bridge and the bascule bridge... and I like them all. If you don't like the brass gears then check with a well stocked gun shop for brass blackening solutions.

My K-Line vista dome car clears it. I don't know about your other pieces.

John
ZettZettOGR Forum Member
The bridge is an absolute gem. As soon as I saw it I had to have it for my layout. My layout will model after the bridge shown below:



I need to custom make extensions for each side to match what is above (future project).

The only problem for me is the height, but what can ya do. Just take it off of the main line. I actually need two of these for my layout and am considering having one made that would have a larger clearance and have two lines.
B bigo426OGR Forum Member
quote:
Originally posted by Principal RailRookie:
thanks bigo426,
So.....before you ground the tie downs on the inside of the rail the trains rolled on the flange and not the wheel? Is that right?

thanks again


Yes, the prewar flanges rolled and rattled over the ties. The flat of the wheel did not touch the rail. I did not mind the cars with the tin wheels so much, but was concerned for a couple of my prewar engines which have wheels that are known to crumble with age. Certainly did not want to bounce those around more than usual.
B bigo426OGR Forum Member
BTW, The only parts of the bridge that I had to modify were both sides of each tower. The part of the structure that actually raises and lowers has better clearance and there was plenty of room for my giraffe. You certainly want to keep pantographs on electric engines in the down position. Eventually, I will set up telltales for the operating brakeman box car on both ends of the bridge. That little guy has to lay flat or he won't survive the bridge either.
R RailRideOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER
quote:
Originally posted by bigo426:

Eventually, I will set up telltales for the operating brakeman box car on both ends of the bridge. That little guy has to lay flat or he won't survive the bridge either.


I occurred to me that one could install railings to engage the giraffe/brakeman car's levers and make him duck before hitting his head, if that's the only car on one's layout exceeding the clearance on this bridge. Has this idea been explored?

---PCJ
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