Positive electrical contact to track

Put a microswitch mounted to close when the lid is down. Have the switch power a 4PDT relay. You can make this from 2, DPDT relays. 24 VAC coils or 24VDC coils with a rectifier and capacitor.  Run a flexible (stranded) wire at least 18 gauge to each of 3 center rails and one to the track ground (outer rails) near the hinge sided. Switch the power through the relay contacts,10 amp or more.   Power the relay coil with an accessory tap off the transformer 18 volts is fine.

The track pins then will be more for aligning the track than electrical continuity. The relay powers the track through the flexible wire soldered to the track.

You dont need a relay at all if the track does not have to be dead when the lid is lifted,just use the wire,soldered to the track. 

Dale H

Jerry, If you move the hinge to the top of the lift portion with the barrel of the hinge above the track the panel will raise without interference. I have a 3 track main using this method. You only need acut in the track the width of a Dremel cut. If you look at some of the pictures of lift panels you will see that the hinge is slightly above the track. You are on the right track , it just takes some fiddeling to get every thing lined up. As far as contact on both sides, if it is a loop of track you will already have power on the unhinged side of the lift up. You only have to power the lift portion on the hinge side with a loop of wire long enough when the lift panel is up.

The hinged wood bridge base will have enough warp and/or creep to prevent permanent positive mechanical electrical contact for all three tracks at the track joints.  (based on experience with many different types of bridges)

The only permanent positive method of feeding power to bridge tracks is with #16 or #18 stranded (flexible) wire between table and bridge.  Your application would require a minimum of 4 wires between the bridge and table.

Solder wires to track from terminal strip on bottom of bridge:

Terminal Strip example - Use one from table and one on bridge bottom.

Dad used the Lionel 316 Lift Bridge for his people bridges.  Here is an example of how he shaped the track at the lift up joint.  (since your hinge is already installed)

With that joint a Stop is required in the up position.

You guys are fantastic with all your help. I could never have a decent layout without your fantastic suggestions and tips.

Again, much much thanks, Jerry 

Susan put some nice photos up. I only mention the relay and switch because some people want the layout track to automatically  go dead when the hatch is lifted as a safety feature. 

Dale H