Somerleyton Swingbridge

With grateful thanks to Network Rail and Lowestoft Central Heritage we get the chance to visit the swing bridge on the Suffolk-broads and see how the cable worked bridge works plus a look inside the operating signalcabin and the locking and control gear room
Our greatest thanks to all those involved on what was day one of three heritage days for public to visit the bridge and cabin.

[@Snapdragon4472]

Very interesting. A nice little 14 lever frame, at one time with all 14 levers in use. It was also equipped with a Block Switch, enabling it to be switched out overnight.

[@kevinleech6335]

Great video, though I believe some of the complexities of the design and operation of the bridge are not clearly described, and some confusing information is given during the discussions. I hope my explanation below makes sense and adds to the statements made during the video. The movable section of the bridge consists of a solid elongated ‘A’ frame with a central portal and main cross girders at ¼ and ¾ points of the bridge. Two ‘tray sections’ are mounted inside the ‘A’ frame, balanced on each of the main cross girders. The 'trays' are weighted, such that at the centre portal the ‘trays’ drop and at the ends of the bridge the ‘trays’ rise. The bridge can be moved when the ‘tray sections’ at the ends of the bridge are raised. Hydraulic jacks are provided in the central pivot point chamber below the bridge. These are used to lift the ends of the ‘tray sections’ so that the six ‘wedges’ can be placed under them to enable traffic to be run over the bridge. The hydraulic jacks are also used to lift the ends of the 'tray sections' slightly to enable the 'wedges' to be released, before opening the bridge. The indicators in the control cabin, are operated by circuit controllers, showing that the centre sections of the ‘tray sections’ are raised and that the wedges are correctly in position. ‘Engagers’ are fixed on the landward ends of the bridge; with the bridge in position, the 'engagers' allow the mechanical movement of the roding over the bridge to the far side, operating the far ‘bridge bolt’. Similar 'engagers' are also used for operating the ‘wedges’. Two ‘bridge bolts’ are provided on the land at each end of the bridge; these are used to lock the bridge in position, preventing lateral movement. Circuit closers are used to detect the locked position of the ‘bridge bolts’.

[@irseminorrailwayssection9491]

Brilliant Thankyou for that 👍👍

[@wideyxyz2271]

I do hope they give it some TLC, it needs a good de rust and 3 decent coats of paint.

[@petercollingwood4108]

White levers, white and colours Mmm. Bit more information there I think.