I am installing a gate that is hinged to access the interior of my layout. It is 2 feet long. I am not sure how to install the hinge. Any help is greatly welcomed.
Here is how I built my four lift bridges.
Will it open up, down or swing? I would do the swing type if I ever considered one but I think they and duck unders should be avoided if at all Possible.
With as narrow a bridge as you are proposing, I would do either a swing or lift at one end gate. If you used a dropdown, I think you would find you kept bumping (damaging) whatever was on the gate.
The gate that I have seen at a show is very simple and seems to work fine. The two hinges are on the top, flat surface. They are disguised by a piece of old carpet with scenic material added to make it look like a field. You could also use some of the scenic mats available, the new ones seem much more appealing than the originals. You could also hide them with removeable buildings, not as convenient if you pass through during your operations. The alignment is done with a V block and corresponding notch in the board it sets into.
Some bridges I have seen use rerailers each side of the gap as insurance that the trains stay on the track. Others seem to rely on their alignment method only.
Many folks wire a safety zone so that when the gate is open there is no power to the track either side of it. Depends on how you operate, just how important this is.
Good luck,
Richard
Mine swings.
