1948-49 LIONEL O-SCALE #313 BASCULE BRIDGE

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1948-49 LIONEL O-SCALE #313 BASCULE BRIDGEThis very impressive accessory, the LIONEL O-SCALE #313 BASCULE BRIDGE, was manufactured by the Lionel Corporation in New York during the periods 1940-1942 and 1946-49. Several characteristics of this particular example place its manufacturing period in the 1948-1949 time frame. Features of the bascule "see-saw" action bridge include: Designed for tubular track only; where a real bascule bridge would use weight for a counter balance to keep the lifting loads reasonable, this model bridge uses an adjustable compression spring to set a counter balance load that allows a small electric motor with a spring coupler to activate a gear box that raises the bridge; approximate dimensions are 23" bridge length, 21-1/2" base length, 10-1/2" width & 9-1/2" height to top of ribbed-light cap; silver-painted stamped & formed steel open girder truss bridge with die-cast metal tower caps; green-painted Bakelite base on lifting portion; die-cast metal fixed portion with cast on numbers "313-46" on bottom; cream/light yellow-painted bridge tender's house (w/o a door) with orange window frames & light-red roof conceals the electric motor with a connecting coil-spring drive that powers the L-shaped gear box situated within & at the base of the tower adjacent to the tender's house and 5 screw-type electrical terminals on the fixed base at the forward end of the house.A black steel alignment frame with an integral lock-on was originally supplied with the bridge along with some non-conductive track pins and a #96C control switch. The purpose of the frame was to maintain the alignment of the lift span and adjoining track when neither the track nor the bridge was permanently fastened down. Please note that these items are not part of this auction.It is very important that the buyer acquire a copy of the original paperwork that accompanied this bridge when it was sold. The bridge mechanical & electrical systems need to be cleaned, inspected, properly lubricated & tested before being put into service. THE BLACK SCREW HEAD ON THE BASE THAT IS ALIGNED WITH THE COMPRESSION SPRING CENTER HAS BEEN TURNED CCW SEVERAL REVOLUTIONS TO UNLOAD THE COMPRESSION SPRING FOR STORAGE. BEFORE USE,THIS SCREW NEEDS TO BE TURNED CLOCK WISE UNTIL THE LIFT PORTION OF THE BRIDGE REQUIRES LITTLE OR NO EFFORT TO RAISE IT. The setup of the incoming and outgoing track lengths with the non-conductive (nylon) track pins is important for proper operation. In addition, the locomotives chosen to traverse this bridge must have their reversing units set for one direction only in order to be compatible. Reprints of this information should be available on line.The condition of the die-cast metal components of the bridge seem to be excellent; there is no apparent disintegration of the zinc due to impurities. There is a small amount of "out of plane distortion" that can be seen with a straight edge at the back end of the fixed base (from side to side) that one can definitely blame on long-term storage with the compression spring loaded. Every thing is original, including the paint. The silver paint did not do a very good job at protecting the bridge structure therefor some underlying rust exists as can be seen in the the photos. The green painted portions have held up very well, as can also be seen. We rate the accessory C-6 Very Good.PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ACCESSORY IS BEING SOLD AT AUCTION "AS IS" AND AS SUCH IS NOT RETURNABLE. THANK YOU.WE REMIND YOU OF THE DESTINATION-BASED STATE SALES TAX FOR OUR WASHINGTON STATE CUSTOMERS. THANK YOU. Please note that we live in the Inland Northwest where weather conditions can temporarily affect our satellite internet connection.Shipping Terms: We will ship this item anywhere to anyone. INTERNATIONAL BIDDERS ARE WELCOME. Because of the size and weight of this item we suggest shipping via UPS Ground in the U.S.A. High bidder pays winning bid plus UPS Ground. International buyers please e-mail for available shipping opti... read more

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