Raise the bridge or Lower the Water

How about a pantograph skid?   From Lionel's "Model Railroading" (1958):

That's what I did on my Bascule Bridge:

Pete, that's the best (and easiest) idea to come along.  What type of metal are the skids made of?

Bill

The skid is a great option and very prototypical. Also remember in real life the pantographs were rarely fully extended. On my GG1's and other electrics i've lowered my front pans to a more prototypical height with a very fine piece of wire in the center holding them down. A dentist friend gave me some orthodontic wire to use, but a single strand of stranded hook up wire would work as well. Of course, except in freezing rain and sleet the Pennsy ran with only front pans raised.

jackson

That is a fantastically clever idea. I'm going to try this too. 

Great solution to the problem, Pete.

Actually, I think it was the rear pan. The rationale was that if it snagged and was torn off, the debris wouldn't damage the other pan.

Jim

Jim,

My error --- --- you are correct. That's what i get for NOT proof reading my posts. The reason you stated is absolutely right as the front pan was only used if the rear one had been knocked off, damaged or was otherwise inoperative, or, as i mentioned, to act as an ice scraper in severe weather.

jackson

I thought you meant to say rear. Happens to me more and more lately!

I didn't know about using the front for ice scraping in winter.

Thanks,

Jim

This is one of those times where the effort may be greater than acquiring another bridge that you can modify more easily.

The Plastic Lionel or MTH bridge can be cut with a band saw or separated at the base to then increase the height by adding new vertical chords and diagonals.

OR maybe just cut off the top and have an open top bridge.