I would like to scratch build a bridge like this but I cannot tell from the photo how the mechanism works? The curved part looks like a pinion section but would the rack and pinion move together? If not, does the pinion rotate back and forth on the rack? I do not see a support mechanism for that to happen. Or does the rack move and rotate the pinion, again I don't see the mechanism for that either?

http://tycotrain.tripod.com/tycokits/id27.html

Any ideas would be much appreciated.
-george

Walthers made one, but I believe they are discontinued, but can occasionally be found on ebay, but probably for around $100 US.
Carsten had a nicely done book on MRR bridges that gave some limited drawing on various bridges, including bascule bridges like this one.

you could put a horsa glider next to it and make it into a "pegasus bridge" - I believe that was a bascule bridge.

Interesting note in one of the last ETE newsletters was that marklin built and operating tinplate prototype in the 50's or 60's (just like their metal bridges/cranes/turntable), but unfortunately never put it into production.
It would be nice if someone would buy rights and tooling from marklin on the old tinplate M track and accessories and put them in to limited production.

It is a Scherzer Rolling Lift Bridge, hopefully that will help your research. A great picture can be found here.>>> http://www.theweebsite.c...rains/images/bridge1.jpg

I've always wanted one of the Tyco ones, now that I've seen it nearly is a scale model, I want one all the more.

Faller produces one that looks somewhat like it, http://www.faller.de item number 120490

Thanks for the faller link. I was suprised (and encouraged) that that bridge costs quite a bit.
I was able to mail order a small stepper, controler chip and driver ic for about $15.us and, with a couple of switches I had laying around, worked up the control circuit for it. I also bought a belt and cog gear from the same place for the rolling drive mechanism. I could use some advice as to the best way to cut accurate thin strips from thin brass shim stock roll. I tried using an industrial shear but it was too thin and kept folding halfway down the cut. I'm thinking of something like a diamond scriber? Any and all suggestions appreciated.
This is just the first pass. I've already redone the counterweight to match the bridge photos I'm working from.

-george

One more try without the spaces in filename!
-george