Lift Bridge Test and Demo

[@dougpeters953]

Excellent Design! I was looking for a way to mount hinges below the lift bridge. Just what I needed!

[@jimaspinii7579]

Slick idea to use those hinges with the three adjustment screws!!! 😃👍 Thanks for taking the time to share!

[@vincenthuying98]

Excellent use of Blum hinges. The advantage, of course, these hinges can always be readjusted!

[@angelsone-five7912]

Interesting. I have a similar problem in my room as the door is totally in the wrong place for my convenience. In the UK these hinges can be bought in any large DIY store. Well done.

[@corkyn34]

Hi. Can you tell me the model/part no. of these Blum hinges please? I have tried several types from different mfgrs and they don't have the same motion, and I get interference problems. The ones I have tried don't move away first before swinging up. Thanks

[@msunderwd]

Certainly. They are the Blum Clip-Top Blumotion 110deg. Inset Hinges. I'll put the Amazon link in the description above.

[@LiveLaughLoveRVing]

do you have any pictures of your lift bridge today? In its completed form and scenery?

[@msunderwd]

With the help of a friend, I've actually redesigned it using different materials for the bridge deck. It's significantly better now (less prone to warping of the deck)... however with the shortage of concrete-tie flex, there's no track yet. The new bridge will have minimal scenery due to the deck design. Expect a new video once I get track laid.

[@LiveLaughLoveRVing]

@@msunderwd are you still using the same hinges on your new design? If so, how did you sink the top of the hinge into the bridge? I just got mine today from your link but it doesn’t fit flush?? Suggestions?

[@msunderwd]

@@LiveLaughLoveRVing The new bridge design uses the same hinges. On the new version, which is a little over 1/2" thick laminate of backer board, the cups sit just below the top surface of the bridge deck. We drilled all the way through the deck, so you can see the back(?) of the cups from above. I will be disguising them with a bit of scenery when I get around to it.

[@msunderwd]

The trick with these is to keep the total thickness from bottom of the hinge attachment (the surface the screw mount plate touches) to the top of the rail head under 3/4". That can be tricky, especially in scales larger than N, unless using some really stiff decking material. That's one of the reasons we redesigned the bridge.

[@LiveLaughLoveRVing]

Mark, what tool did you use to make the hole that the hinge fits into? I need something to fit on my hand drill to make this hole. Suggestions?

[@msunderwd]

I used a Forstner bit. I think it's 1-3/8" diameter. You could probably also use a hole saw but I don't know how easy it would be to control depth. On the new version, the hole is drilled all the way through, so depth control didn't matter.

[@LiveLaughLoveRVing]

@@msunderwd Thank you, that helps

[@bradgraham70]

Do you have the item number of the hinges?

[@msunderwd]

I don't have the specific part number, but it is the standard version of the CLIP Top hinge by Blum. I ordered mine but I believe they (or similar) are available at the big box hardware stores. If you check the Blum website, there are variations for special applications and a guide with all the dimensions to help you pick the best model for your specific use.

[@johnp.dulong948]

How hard is it to install these hinges. Is it necessary to use a jig to countersink the hinges?

[@msunderwd]

Sorry to be so late replying. If I can do it, it's not hard. I didn't use a jig, I just drilled carefully.