7. Stage 2- June 2020 The Lift Up Bridge Rail Decks are Built

After proving the concept of the hinge mechanism, work started on building the rail decks.
Aluminium was the chosen material primarily because it is light weight but still strong enough for the purpose.
The main deck is made from box section with 2 angle pieces riveted on either side that fill in under the sleepers.

The hinge tongue was extended by the use of a piece of galvanised steel 

The tongue extension fits inside the box section and adds strength to the join.

The first deck was then constructed and rail was fitted.

To keep the correct gauge a "Gauge Plate", made of a piece of brass, was soldered into place. (the heat damaged sleeper will be replaced for aesthetics as it does nothing to hold the gauge).

The non hinge end track will be located using "Hillmans" lift out bridge clamps to hold the alignment.

Both Decks are now completed and work will start on linking them together so that they form one lift up bridge structure as opposed to what they are now which is 2 separate lift ups.

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