Jim Kelly-Evans posted:A lucky find at York several years ago was an example of Dorfan's most impressive accessory: the wide gauge 414L illuminated "Victory" bridge. Catalogued with illumination in wide gauge for just two years, 1929 and 1930, it was the top of the line bridge of the six models, both single and double span offered by Dorfan in both 0 gauge and wide gauge. The bridge is 56" long and takes the space of four sections of wide gauge tinplate track, so you need a lot of available real estate to put this on your layout. It has ramps on either side of the double section middle span that would take the track up about an inch and a half from ground level. Since the accessory is made of all tinplate, there are no diecast components and no worry about disintegration. Electrically, the four lamps on posts at the corners of the bridge proper were all wired to the center rail underneath. Therefore, the lamps were illuminated only when power was applied to the track. I re-wired it so that the lamps are powered independently of the track. I decided to install the bridge over a culvert so that the ramps and bridge surface would all be level with the rest of the layout. In order to accommodate this accessory I had to expand my layout somewhat and design the sub-level footing for the bridge. It's a work in progress, but Santa has already enjoyed a ride over the newly installed bridge.
Nice job Jim .... if you can not raise the bridge ..lower the water . Hope Santa enjoys the ride .
Cheers Carey
