A Precarious Balance

A 2-track bascule bridge built for a model train show layout.
Check it out here.

I personally got very tired of crawling under the tables at previous shows, so I decided we should have something like this. Oddly enough, I ended up being the one to build it. Go figure.

Shown is one generation before the final version, which is powered and controlled by a Lego computer. Concealed pushbuttons on either side of the bridge trigger the open and close cycles.

Click an image to view larger, then use "Back" button
on your browser to return.

The Span complete.
Working out the geometry for the Walking Beam.
Bridge Down
Bridge Up
Another Angle
Bird'sEye View
Closeup on the upper span pivot.
Closeup on a mid-span connection.
A 1-stud gap for electrical isolation and mechanical ease.
The track is elevated by three bricks.
The Main Pivot Point
Close shot with bridge up.

The counterweight just clears the rails.

Back to Lego Header Page

Back to Main Page

Content Copyright 2002 Kevin Maynes