Original 313 bascule bridge or modern?

I used one on an old layout for years. Simple and easy to use. Never had a problem. It now sits in a box in parts. Someday I'll put it together and sell it. Don

Just some opinions of mine; I had an original 313 Postwar bridge I used on my layout and had no issues with it. You have to be careful the green base under the "tender's" shack is not warped. This can happen if the bridge counter spring has been cranked down too tight and left that way over the years. I eventually pedaled mine after the taller scale cars became common in the train market; the pass though height is around 4.25" as I recall-not enough for many newer scale cars. Also be sure the "frame" that originally came with the bridge is present.

The newer Lionel LLC bridges I'm told are DC can motor powered and would be quieter than a 313 original. I believe they also re-engineered the lifting mechanism to use a gear drive. My only hesitation for this bridge would be if the gear train includes any engineering plastic gears in the gear-train as Lionel has had issues with many of their accessories using these - a weak link if operated often IMO.

Thanks for the info fellows. 

I've had the "modern" version on my layout since 1997.  I always leave it in the up position after a session so that boat-traffic can get out when I'm not around...

Anyway, because of that the bridge gets used each and every time I power up the layout, and I've never had an issue.  The modern version goes up and stops, and then goes down at the next press of the button.  The modern version has higher clearances for larger modern freight cars.

Jon

I inherited my uncle's 2 postwar bascule bridges some years ago and have them on display wired to a transformer to demonstrate how they operate. Noisy and ozone smell at its best. They both work after sitting idle in their attic for almost 50 years. One has a warped base, the other is fine. Also have his #116 station next to them which is in excellent condition.

Like what has been said, the newer one is quieter.

I have the original 1942 version that I played with as a child. My younger brothers used it heavily and when I found it it was broken. The base was broken in two I epoxied it together and mounted it on a piece of plywood and then repaired it and reassembled it. (not a job for the faint of heart) Today it is one of the highlights on my layout and works fine.

Somewhere on the internet is a tutorial on making it higher for modern cars. 

Years ago I purchased  pre-war and a post-war 313's and had a long-time TCA member who specialized in repairing them, service the two.  Both had flat bases and frames, and operated well.

He wrote, and TCA published, his repair instructions; a copy of which is attached.  (For technical reasons I am at a loss to explain, the first page is upside down; but, fear not, all the rest are right side up.)  His piece also includes LIONEL's instructions.

I have an original postwar version.  If you have a choice, stick with the new one.  Like so many other postwar accessories, the noise can be deafening.

kooljock1, I was unaware that the new ones were made higher to accommodate newer modern tall freight cars. which lionel models did this? do you possibly have a lionel item number or photo of yours? I have always wanted a new can motored one. especially the one that was  painted black, but for clearence reasons just never got one. guess now I should look into one again.

I too would recommend the newer version. No base warpage problem as several have already stated. And operate smoother and quieter.

If you have a pre or postwar layout, I would use the original one. If your layout is modern 1970 to 2019 I would use the new one.

I plan to have a postwar style layout.  "Someday ".  I think I'll keep my eyes peeled for an affordable original.  Thanks again for all the replies 

I have many vintage Lionel accessories, and do my best to keep them functioning, including the 313 Bascule Bridge.  After lots of refurbishing , it was doing quite well...until the brush plate fractured.  Decided it was time to move on.  Found a brand new one on the tranz.com auction.  Got it at a great price.  It operates much more smoothly and quietly than the 313. No clearance problems. Appearance very comparable, so it is reminiscent of the original. If you can find a new one at a good price, I would go for it.  Will eventually sell the old unit for parts at a train fair.

Michael

two questions for those who may know.

1) what is the hight measurement from the top of the track rail head to the top of the bridge structure?

2) having looked at several on the bay that are the new reissue ones. what makes the black painted ones command much more in price vrs. the silver painted ones?