Neds’s been in touch with his model train lift bridge module:
“Hello again Alastair,
The recent post about moveable bridges helped me decide to submit the two methods I built into my developing layout.
Since I wanted two full circuits for my layout I initially conceived a complex system of gears and long screw mechanisms to lift both bridges.
Recognizing the more complex anything is the higher the likelihood of problems and since this is my first attempt at a large layout, I decided to keep it simple.
One bridge blocked and wedged to provide longitudinal and lateral stability and one bridge on a cart with cabinet magnets and blocked for stability.
Electrical connections are a simple plug.
I think the photos explain it best.
Ned”
A huge big thanks to Ned for sharing his model train lift bridge module. There’s quite a few of them on the blog now, one that always springs to mind is John’s:
Model railroad lift out bridge
Model railroad vertical lift bridge
Now on to Andrew:
“Dear Alastair,
Like most, if not all railway modellers I periodically clean the wheels of my model train locomotives to ensure good electrical connection with the track.
I recently discovered that I was failing to do the same for my rolling stock and carriages and I was shocked to see how much dirt could be found on the wheels: – See attached photos.
Yours sincerely,
Andrew in Oz”
A big thanks to Andrew and Ned.
Andrew’s pics show just how much dirt you can lift of the wheels – that’s why track cleaning comes up so often on the blog.
That’s all for today folks.
Please do keep ’em coming.
And if today is the day you jump off the armchair and join in the fun, the Beginner’s Guide is here.
Best
Al
PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.
PPS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.
Ned, The diorama of the bridges and stream itself is great!
The Critic
These are some very clever lift bridge solutions. The best solution is a layout without a bridge entry. In other words, a walk-in layout. I realize sometimes this is just not possible. Rob
Great job explaining s complex system in a non-complex way!
Ned, your bridge module that you built is the simplest and most effective way of making a lift out bridge I have seen so far. Most of the bridge modules that I have seen are very complicated and expensive, yours is simple and inexpensive and just as effective. Well done !!!!!!!
very nice