Anyone look at that last picture and think something wasn't quite right? Well, you're spot on. As is traditional at this point I (re)discovered that the floor isn't level and the nicely aligned kitchen units drop 20mm as they follow the floor. Put a spirit level on the bridge section and you see this:
That's exactly a 2% (1 in 50) fall on the bridge. I decided that I could live with it - mainly as I couldn't figure out what else to do about it! So here's the braced bridge. The near end will eventually get hinges fitted so the bridge can be permanently in place, but capable of being swung out of the way for easy access to the room:
Power to the bridge is supplied very simply by connectors (LGB rail joiners sawn in half) on both rails at both ends of the bridge. Obviously these also ensure that the line is in alignment. Pat and Mike make some finishing touches prior to the grand opening.
After a brief, yet moving ceremony at Zenda depot, the first train operated round the new line. In keeping with an ages old tradition, the train was hauled by veteran Stainz class locomotives 6 and 7. Prince Rudolf naturally broke into his busy schedule to break a bottle of fine Ruritanian champagne over a ceremonial golden rail clamp.
The special train stopped on the new bridge for Ruritania's national dish of black pudding with pork scratchings in a curry sauce to be served. Lashings of ginger beer were also available of course.
Another great day for Ruritanian Railways!
