Bridge Drop or lift section

These "people access" bridges may give you some ideas.  I used a lift out bridge when I didn't have head clearance for hinged bridge.  A lift out with a 3/4" plywood base would work for you.

See "Access Bridges used as Switches" with my lift out bridge in first photo.
See more bridge ideas at "Runner and Guest Access Bridges".

The best way to see how to make the best use of your area, use layout software for the full track plan first.

Thanks this is just what I needed. I need to see about options on bridges ect. Your links are great I want to construct a lift section just need to see what type of hinges will be needed. Thanks i like to see what people have done so I can see what works.

So I presume your entrance door swings 180 degrees, meaning it lays flat against the wall when fully open.  That leaves your closet door.  Do you want access to the closet while running trains ?   If not, then your solution is a simple one.  If both doors need to be opened, then it could be tricky, depending on which way the doors swing.  

The closet door can be closed when running trains the door to the train room I want to be opened.

Another option would be to change the swing of the room entrance door. If possible swap hinges and have the door open into the hallway instead of into the room. You could still use a lift out section. The closet door is more of a challenge. In this instance a pocket door would work great but a lot of remodel effort would have to go into this option. I changed the door swing for my sons game room in order to gain more wall space. A 36" door swing uses a lot of square footage. My 2 cents.

Mark

Hey thanks i did not think of that about swinging the door out

not sure if this is in downstairs area if it is then a perfect solution is pocket doors on both entry and closet.

I used a piano hinged drop section for my entrance to my small attic operation. A hinged lift bridge was just not feasible/practical here. Perhaps on closet doors lift wold work well. Drop bridge is located in 072/084 end curves. Underside from former layout before rebuild shows Jim Barrett design from way back in the day. Layout essentially dormant since 2010.

How about 2 lionel bascule bridges 1 east 1 west fun to operate and about 38" clearance when opened. Here's my single on in motion

Easy to install, easy to find bought mine on Ebay  $250.00.