I was working on the layout tonight and found myself needing a new idea for a bridge. I have a section of track that crosses in front of the door to the train room and I had originally planned to make the track swing out on a horizontal arc (like the top of a door). As we were looking at it tonight that plan changed to a vertical arc (like an upside down murphy bed) which means I can't use the Walther's swing bridge I had planned for that space. All that said, I'm wondering what other people have done for bridges in similar situations. I need a bridge that is 2' 9" (33") long, double tracked and not too tall. I'd like to see what you have done!
<font color="336633">In the past i have always used duck unders, but now that im getting old (24) my back isnt as good as it was so I would go for a swing bridge as well. Me personally would go for an easy to build and strong bridge like a deck girder one, less bits to get knocked about when being moved. Although I need space to build a layout first..... </font>
That's about 240 ft scale span - rather long for a plate girder, so you should probably be looking for a truss bridge. I'd be inclined to use a through bridge. Then when someone smacks it with the door or while ducking under it (or in the case of a simple derailment) there's less chance of the train going right down to floor level Last time I did a door crossing I didn't hinge it but made it a drop in based round a substantial piece of timber. Less compromises needed at the ends to allow for it to swing up, and very strong (see para above ).
I have the same thing on my layout plan. I will be using the duckunder, but to help ease the discomfort of my youthfully challenged (ahem) visitors, I have a computer chair that I took the arms and back off of. It has five wheels, and can raise and lower easily with a lever, so the visitor/operator will just sit down, pull the lever to lower the seat height, and duck and roll. Only thing to worry about is my yard operator, who will be located outside the layout room at the door. He may get a rude awakening if the duckee isn't watching.
