Tag: Room

My 88 yr old Dad has built an 18′ x 20′ HO Model Train in our bonus room, Problem: how…?

Question by Jackson: My 88 yr old Dad has built an 18′ x 20′ HO Model Train in our bonus room, Problem: how…?
…to connect the walk way track?
the track has a unique layout and we need build a moveable walk way…what is the best way to do that?

Best answer:

Answer by giveaway
Either:
1. get a pair of commercially available model drawbridges & extend their length
2. build your own (draw or life) bridge(s)
3. build a liftout

You could use a pair of drawbridges (so that you do not overstrain an individual one’s motor) and
extend their length long enough to cover you walkway gap.
For instance, in Lionel’s product catalog (guessing “O” guage?):
http://www.lionel.com/products/ProductNavigator/getproduct.cfm?ProductNumber=6-14173
4.5″ (width base) x 10″ (length base & bridge) x 2″ (height)

I would recommend building your own bridge.
Keep in mind that it is easier to power the bridge track section via separate wires
(so that you do not need to worry about the bridge track electrically connecting to the rest).
You do need to make sure that the bridge is secure and aligns mechanically with the
rest of the track.

Another “crude” option is a manual “liftout”.

Google search for “liftout” & HO:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%2Bliftout+%2Bho&btnG=Search

Google search for “drawbridge” & HO:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%2Bdrawbridge+%2Bho&btnG=Google+Search

Google search for “liftbridge” & HO:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%2Bliftbridge+%2Bho&btnG=Search

Add your own answer in the comments!