Walk through section

My Layout is a Toy Train Layout. It is a shelf layout with several elevated lines.

These photos you can use as a reference for your custom design.

  Click photo to enlarge & get description.

That is an amazing layout Gary. It does help give me some ideas.

I still need to figure out the walk through. It looks like you may not have one, but perhaps you can redirect me to someone who does. Thanks.

I had done an Atlas double track bridge.  The bridge lifts out and is stored most of the time.

Mike,

That looks like what I need. Can you recommend a source? Is that 36" wide? 

I'm also confused about my track for a lift out section. I have an MTH Pennsylvania 2-8-0 locomotive currently on the starter set RealTrax. I am building a much larger track and was going to default to RealTrax. I'm getting feedback that I would be better off with Lionel track. A local hobby shop showed me how Lionel can be adapted for a lift out section. I can't figure out how to do a practical lift out for RealTrax. I would consider shifting over to Lionel track or another, such as Cargraves, but I don't know if my MTH remote and the bells and whistles would work with other tracks.  HELP. I don't want to make a dumb mistake on my startup. Opinions and sources please.

John

Don't try and over think a lift out section.  It is not a complicated thing to do.  Think of the lift out as a separate layout all by itself.  How would you wire it?  That is what those plugs are for in the Atlas bridge illustration shown above.  You can use ANY track for the lift out section, the only issue would be how hard is it to apply to the bridge / lift out section.  Some bridges like the Atlas shown are relatively easy to convert to other track systems other than Atlas.  If the track section you choose is to long, you can always just trim to fit.  The secret is to make the lift out (whatever it is) as sturdy as possible. If it is truly a lift out and not a lift up or hinged section then make some provisions of where to store the piece when out of the way.  See it's not so bad after all!    Russ

Here are some excellent threads on walk through sections:

Layout Gate or Lift Up

Lift Bridge Mechanics

Duckunder to a Lift Up

For my Run Room and each special area, I used a hinged lift, hinged swing, and lift out.  See all at Runner and Guest Access Bridges

Pricey, but very nicey!  I am using their bench work. It is very nice, well worth it. If I ever need a lift out, this is what I want. If I had more money I would work one in just so I could have one!

Actually, when you think about ease of installation and ease of use, the price may seem much more reasonable for what all you are really getting here. Very handy! All things considered, it may not be so pricey after all?

Also as ChiloquinRuss says, you can use any O gauge track with any of your O gauge trains, research your track selection carefully. Get something you like and will be happy with. It can almost always be adapted to do what you want to do. Take your time on your selection, go to your LHS (hopefully you have one) and look at all the track available. If you like something get a test loop and see what you think. If you like it you are on your way, if not you can sell it here on the for sale forum and probably get most of your money back if it's still in like new condition.

Yikes! Never use 120 volt plugs for that kind of thing! It's only a matter of time before someone plugs them in to a receptacle and has live 120 volts on the rails. Visit a local R. S. store and get some headphone plugs and jacks. Not expensive and MUCH safer. Could save someone from a nasty shock.

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