...and once you get started you just kinda roll with it? I just went out to take some photos and see if my styrene fix was ready for prime time. So I did that... and then realized I could lay some cork to the edge of the bridge for the siding... and then I decided to keep going. Thought I'd run out of cork a few inches short of my destination, but when cleaning up I found a few scraps that were long enough to finish it with.

So now I just have to lay the track for the siding after the cork dries.

You might notice a Z-scale loop in the middle of everything. That's my idea of adding a riding "amusement park" railroad to my layout, or, more accurately according to my wife, it's my excuse to buy Z Scale equipment. After I got done taking photos I cut all the foam out where the loop is - the turnouts really don't like uneven terrain.

Styrene patch on the near rail. Bridge is slightly open.

Did you know that Arizona Rock & Mineral Ballast makes a really good flexible weight to hold down drying cork?

The problem-free end of things.

My latching mechanism for the swing bridge. Composite decking is really a lot tougher material than pine, fir or hemlock.

One of the advantages to having a good hardware store in town is that the people working there can often find what you need... even if that isn't the purpose it was designed for. I'm not sure what this little sleeve was for, but it works great at very snugly holding the bolt.

The swing bridge from the inside in all it's current glory.

This end of the railroad... with the mainline in the background, the cork for Minto siding just inside it, and the Z Scale "Willow Creek RR" inside of it. Just a little more flextrack, some solder, and I think I'll be ready to run trains...

Not sure what that stuttering sound is - camera artifact I guess. Anyway, looks like putting that styrene patch in and manually "adjusting" the track height by a miniscule amount worked:

Jeff It looks like you have a winner and the cars seems very smooth crossing the small gap. I'm thinking about building a set of swing bridges or two levels on the same swing gate but as I'm completely rebuilding my railroad and the room is being expanded in fact I just finished tearing out a wall and putting in two other walls and still have a lot to do. But thanks for the inspiration on the bridge.

I like your "Z" gauge kiddy ride in progress and want to see it when completed

I would like to see the bridge in a video opening and closing and how it's aligned as well as your hinges in action. The dead bolt is cool I've never seen one with a loop handle where did you find it?

Dan

how bout some close clearance gaurd rails. ?

being narrower it should allow them to be staggered past the rails joing area and still allow the bridge to open.

Nice work in solving the problem, Jeff. Some ballast and no one will know the difference.

That idea - or using bridge track, has occurred to me...

Looks like you fixed it and some good ideas to make it better. How often do you have to open the bridge? If it is occasionally you could also try adding rail joiners that slide in and out to ensure proper alignment as well. I have this set up on a major bridge duck under to make the bridge removeable and it allows for proper alignment height wise and horizontally.

Steve

Jeff,

Nice job on the bridge fix.

Regarding the broken outlet cover on the adjacent switch box.  At your hardware store, look for flexible nylon outlet covers, instead of the more rigid regular plastic ones.  The nylon ones can be cut/trimmed without shattering, and then will flex instead of breaking, if snagged.