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Swing Bridges
Across the UK rail network, there are a few swing bridges. These usually cross rivers and
allow both the passage of trains and ships. Here, i will be concentrating
on two swing bridges as found in Goole and Selby.
The following picture is a basic diagrammatic drawing of the layout of Goole Bridge.
Swing bridge schematic (Click for larger image)
The battery starts the pumping engine when the bridge control operator wants to turn the
bridge. All ships passing on the river get top priority. The bridge has to be opened
regardless of delaying trains or not. This is because ships were around before trains,
and that it is harder for a ship to stop. The same applies to cars. Cars have to wait for
trains at level crossings due to the same principle.
| The operator can be found above the bridge |
Above left shows the pumping engine, while above right shows the accumilator.
Below, the turning engine can be seen.
The pumping engine draws oil from the oil tank and pumps up the pressure, ensuring that the oil flows to what is known
as the accumulator. The accumulator weights are consequently pumped up the accumulator by the pressure of the oil. Once the accumulator
is filled, the operator can release the weight at the top. The oil is forced out of the accumulator due to the weight, and is pushed
into one of the two turning engines. The oil operates the turning engines, and the motion from these is transmitted to a rack and
pinion mechanism. This operates the rotation of the bridge.
Selby swing bridge is very similar to Goole swing bridge, however it is considerably smaller.
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