Folks - Anyone here have experience building swing bridges, or swing gates as part of their layouts? While I'm probably a long way off from constructing one, I'm leaning toward using one as part of the Fairgrounds Branch connection to the Kansas City Sub at the 29th Street interlocking plant. However, instead of building a gate that would be, say, 6-12" wide for track plus 5" or so clearance on either side of the center line, I'd like to build more of a swing "section," if you will, where I could put some generic storefronts that were along Southwest Blvd or even portions of Schutte Lumber and/or the Thompson-Hayward Chemical Co. Suggestions, thoughts, drawbacks or other miscellaneous feedback? Best Regards,
I tried a liftout section, or swing, if you will, but found it easier to just duck under. My next layout will be a walk around with no need for a gate. Their a lot of work, both the electrical and the scenery.
Chris, local KC modeler, Don Ball, (not the photographer) uses a swing bridge that is ultra-reliable. It was featured in a magazine article - I believe Model Railroader, but you could also check out his blog on his Stockton and Copperopolis Railroad. I sent him an email asking for more info
William, I did give some thought to a duck-under. Thus far, I'm reasonably limber enough to do a scoot-under or crawl-under. However, since the layout room also doubles as workshop, I would like the option to move the connection section out of the way and free up some work space, when needed.
Its a good reason if your shop is inside, The duck under that I have works ok, but is kinda of a pain. I was going to make it to lift out , fairly easy. Then I wanted to ballast it and scenic the area. Next year we will move, again and I am going to give thought to some other type. I made lots of mistakes. I seen a photo, in MR and it so impressed me that I wanted something similar. The photo, was looking out of a cafe window, at a model railroad. So much of the time, we choose to maybe get a sandwich or a cup of coffee, looking out at a rail line in action. Those places are cherished by modelers and rail's alike. Here is a couple of photos showing you what I wanted. When I had this built, I had the windows put at 48 inches high, thinking that would be high enough. This might give you some thoughts, in my new layout, "after we move" will be walk around or maybe shelf.
