Small motor for lift bridge...?

First question is the bridge construction- plastic, wood or steel? one or two tracks? In most cases it can be a simple can motor and to me more important is the gear setup for lifting and lowering the bridge, metal or plastic gears? Happy Railroading!!!!-Don Klose

I was thinking metal; I have several old lionel truss/span bridges.    I was planning on using one of them as the length appealed to me.

I should add: single track, would prefer metal gears....

If you have the ability to program an Arduino or similar microcontroller, you might want to consider using a hobby servo motor. They are very popular in the robotics community and you could do very subtle movements with a little programming. They are inexpensive and come in all shapes and sizes.

--Pete

I am not a programmer; but I could likely find a few around the Seattle area!   thanks for the tip.

I wouldn't use a motor at all . I would get on the bay and search for a linear actuator
Those things can really push and they're easy to hide under the bridge . A D/C relay and 2 double pole double throw micro switches and you'd have a very reliable set up.
You could use flanged bearings on the cross shaft and alignment would be perfect every time.

David

David,

Thanks, I am looking into this, also seeking one that will lift the bridge about 8" high for a vertical lift.    I guess I would need a long neck on the device right?

Try the gearmotors at AllElectronics.  They are essentially window motors with gearboxes from automobile power windows.  12v DC, reversible, and powerful.

term doesn't give a result...different name?

ok I found them; you would have to create a system of pulls to attach to the pin, but I think it can work; very affordable too

just got back from lowes: corners, pulleys, cable, support stantions and rod purchased---need to get the motor and spool... 

Stay tuned...

I like your thought and style. I have a hand built 32" turntable that equates to 128' . While it has a large 24" disc beneath the works,  using a dryer belt, it is powered by a 364 log loader motor. Those motors also have a transmission which makes for torque and slow speed. I can make that turntable turn one revolution in 4 minutes by lowering the voltage. It's also reversible if I should chose which I do not. I have a Singer sewing machine pulley attachment  to  the trans of the 364 configuration. You might consider a #97 coal loader gear. or a "windlass" as the plastic Lionel lift bridge has for it's workings. Best of luck with your project and please keep us posted.    148th

This is what I'm talking about.The assembly could be hidden in the bridge abutment
A small flange on the bridge itself and it's good to go.
They make them strong enough to lift a 1000 pound bridge.

http://www.firgelliauto.com/default.php?cPath=84

Sorry I originally got bascule bridge in my mind somehow .
You could still use the linear actuator under the table to push all the cables in one direction With 2 single pole double throw micro switches to adjust the limits.
 a simple radiator hose clamp with a little arm on the ram could be used to adjust travel.

I would use very small cable. The stiffer it is the harder it will be to deal with.
Something like 1/16 19 strand stainless steel aircraft control cable would be good.
(Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co.) Believe me 1/16 will be more than strong enough.


David