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Motorised Bridge finally tested and operating Journals/Blogs
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Super User 678 posts jTrackin Super User 678 posts
jTrackin
 
I have finally completed the operational part of my road bridge and have been testing and tweaking it for 3 months and I'm happy with how it is working. This completes one of my laps around the room. So now I can plan my next project but with the quite chuff of a train in the background rolling by.
 

Here some photos.  I'm standing in the doorway. The room is 12'x14'.  HO. Modelling a place in USA somewhere.  

idge_b1.jpeg     

Flick the switch … The pole will eventually be a tree or Junction tower

idge_b2.jpeg 

Bridge lifts within seconds so I can get the room to take some shots.
Or stay most of the time when not running trains. 

idge_b3.jpeg 

And come back down will automatically stop at the correct place.

idge_b4.jpeg 

Ready to cross. Ballast and weeds will cover the gaps.

idge_b5.jpeg 

I have been running trains full speed and its one of my tighter curves (29' but transitional)
a bit of elevation and with a 1.4% gradient  

idge_b6.jpeg 

Too many photos?  ..not sure moderator what the limit is.

idge_b7.jpeg 

Train passed ...Bridge up

idge_b8.jpeg 

and up ...you get the picture

ge_b9_0.jpeg dge_b10.jpeg 

dge_b11.jpeg 

You can see my next project .....wiring

e_b12_0.jpeg 

Here is the motor that runs it brand new off ebay for $30

dge_b13.jpeg 

The bridge lifts off if one wants it to for any reason. 

James B
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wcrails Regular poster 439 posts
wcrails

I guess I'm missing

I guess I'm missing something.  How does it work?  the threaded rods turning and lifting the bridge?  I see you have some video stuff in the back, maybe post a video.

Nice size room.

Mike.

 

http://www.youtube.com/user/bluecollar3
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railandsail Prolific poster 8,846 posts
railandsail

Is that an automatic car

Is that an automatic car antenna motor?

 

Brian

1) First Ideas: Help Designing Dbl-Deck Plan in Dedicated Shed
2) Next Idea: Another Interesting Trackplan to Consider
3) Final Plan: Trans-Continental Connector
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fishnmack Regular poster 222 posts
fishnmack

Bridge

Not for sure what is more impressive, the massive amounts of craftsmanship that went into the bridge or the faith that Murphy and his law is not comming for a short visit. To construct such a complex bridge with no fence, railing or wall to prevent a minor derailment morphing into a fast dive bomb run to the floor takes industrial strength faith.  
Reply 0
jTrackin Super User 678 posts
jTrackin

Yep its a car aerial motors

Yep its a car aerial motors one on each side. Pretty simple disengages when it comes down.

James B
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jTrackin Super User 678 posts
jTrackin

@fishnmack

Now I know how to make it and trial and error is not that difficult and not too expensive. There should be less likely  to be a derailment I read 'run like a dream' -  good track and good checking of rolling stock, couplers,  weights etc.

 

James B
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railandsail Prolific poster 8,846 posts
railandsail

Derailing Protection

Somewhere I seem to recall someone utilized an almost invisible wire as a side guard to prevent derailments from falling to the floor,...perhaps on a helix structure ???

...or perhaps your bridge could have railings,....and those water buckets like old timers.

Brian

1) First Ideas: Help Designing Dbl-Deck Plan in Dedicated Shed
2) Next Idea: Another Interesting Trackplan to Consider
3) Final Plan: Trans-Continental Connector
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greg ciurpita gregc Super User 1,154 posts
greg ciurpita gregc

pretty neat

i see a pair of pins in one photo.   I assume that's how you achieve alignment.   Did you chamfer the rails as suggested on some turntables?

how do you know when to stop?

do you make sure it's relatively level going?  if so how?   Is there any protection to stop things if one side is not going up?

what voltage? how much current?

any worries about somebody hitting it with their head?   I cracked mine into the wing of a plane because I was wearing a hat and didn't see it (was busy washing it).

again, pretty neat.  congrates.

greg - LaVale, MD     --   MRH Blogs --  Rocky Hill Website  -- Google Site
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jTrackin Super User 678 posts
jTrackin

I should video it and explain

I should video it and explain might be more easier. I find with some non-train freinds that are more fasnisated with this then the trains or weathering on the ties which took me ages to research and learn and I find more interesting to look at.

James B
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Ken Rice Super User 5,939 posts
Ken Rice

Cool

That’s a neat idea James.  I guess it’s light enough that it’s not too wobbly when it’s up?

My blogspot blog: http://rices-rails.blogspot.com/
My MRH blog index
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jTrackin Super User 678 posts
jTrackin

Not sure if I put video here or on front blog

Not sure if I put video here or on front blog 

 

 

James B
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Photo Bud Frequent poster 992 posts
Photo Bud

Nice!

Video really explains it well, thanks.

Bud (aka John), The Old Curmudgeon

Fan of Northern Pacific and the Rock Island
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UglyK5 Super User 1,140 posts
UglyK5

That is super slick. Nice

That is super slick. Nice work!
—————————————
“Think before you post, try to be positive, and you do not always have to give your opinion.....”
-Bessemer Bob
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jTrackin Super User 678 posts
jTrackin

Thanks.. got me thinking

Thanks.. got me thinking those motors are about the same price as a turnout motor so I was wondering what other movable bits you could use this for in a layout. ..cranes boats moving back and forwards...lots of options

James B
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railandsail Prolific poster 8,846 posts
railandsail

manual and electric

I think it is rather neat that it can also be removed manually so easy.

 

 

Brian

1) First Ideas: Help Designing Dbl-Deck Plan in Dedicated Shed
2) Next Idea: Another Interesting Trackplan to Consider
3) Final Plan: Trans-Continental Connector
Reply 0
Brent Ciccone Brentglen MRH Author 983 posts
Brent Ciccone Brentglen

Brilliant!!

Brilliant design! Works really well plus it’s removable!

Brent Ciccone

Calgary
Reply 0
s_brown Regular poster 160 posts
s_brown

Thanks for video

Video helped explain it more to me too thanks

 

Simon
Melbourne Australia
Modeling the UP - steam to diesel 
Reply 0
poke New member 5 posts
poke

Lifting access bridge

Hi James

Brilliant. Love the sneaky way you've used the wiper motors!

I've made four, hinged,  lift bridge access ways now, with widest being 2 meters long (still in use) but that is the last time  I'll do that!

You might say "I've see the light! Well bridge actually"

Well done

Pete

Albany West Oz
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jTrackin Super User 678 posts
jTrackin

@Pete Albany. They are

@Pete Albany. They are motorised car-radio antennas. The bridge goes up and down but not always in tune.(music)

James B
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railandsail Prolific poster 8,846 posts
railandsail

Multiple Levels?

In your video didn't you express the desire to have several layers of bridges,...or was that multiple curves at one level??

What did you do about that thought?

 

 

Brian

1) First Ideas: Help Designing Dbl-Deck Plan in Dedicated Shed
2) Next Idea: Another Interesting Trackplan to Consider
3) Final Plan: Trans-Continental Connector
Reply 0
jTrackin Super User 678 posts
jTrackin

Yes I have 3 bridges ar

Yes I have 3 bridges ar different transitional curves, different grades. I did try have one lift that l lifted together but that is really hard to work with, so I think my plan is to have 2 motors per bridge lifting them separately which means I can build them as get round to them. But it will be all from 1 switch which i will link to a remote. The only problem is when showing non train friends the layout they tend to like the motorised bridge more than the layout and its detail which is quite annoying. The layout to me is more interesting and the bridge is minor distraction. But fun.

James B
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