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Author	Topic: drawbridges
sailorman Member	posted 06-29-2003 01:04 AM After a great weekend at Bush Gardens and lots of photos of their "castles" I am enthused again. I have most of my design worked out but looking for some suggestions for the drawbridge. Would like to hinge it very close to the wall and probably only 8 feet long/high but strong enough to be driven over daily. Looking for thoughts on its construction (and type of wood and weather proofing) and how do I raise and lower it? I want remote control like a garage door. I don't believe steel cable is very authentic, iron links would quickly rust in the coastal environment and now out of ideas. I have thought about hydraulic cylinders mounted "underground" adjacent to the pivots. Has anyone else built one? On a related note - is there any demand for large link chain molded out of plastic?
Peter Moderator	posted 06-30-2003 03:53 PM Hi, don't forget there are several types of 'draw' bridges. One of them means just that, a 'withdrawing' bridge. ie. basically a bridge that is pulled into the castle on rollers then the gate closed. A good example is at Conway castle in North Wales. Where one has been made in steel to show how it worked. Know its still there, ' cause I was at Conway last week checking on some features for an article. A 'withdrawing bridge' would mean all your gear could be hidden. The bridge sliding into a reccess in the floor of your entrance. Maybe you could have one control linked to the door and bridge ? When pressed the door would open/close (as any electric door), and the bridge would slide in/out. This type of bridge was favoured where there was not a tower of sufficent size to house lifting gear. Just a thought.
duncan Senior Member	posted 06-30-2003 04:14 PM Did a search of this site and found a few interesting posts and a schools web site with some info, hope something in all of it helps. http://www.google.com/u/BTBOE?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF -8&domains=www.bernardsboe.com&sitesearch=www.bernardsboe.com&q=drawbridge&spell=1 [URL=http://www.castlesontheweb.com/cgi-bin/ubb/castles/search.cgi?action=simplesearch&SearchIn=ALL&ForumChoice=ALL&SearchTerms=draw+bridge&BooleanAND=YES&SearchDate=ALL&SearchUser =&ExactName=no&File=temp-2452821-155543-5BI4.cgi&Total=28&StartAt=A:[/URL] I'm not sure why iron chains wouldn't last several life times as they are still used in the shipping industry. Often they can be found in coastal scrap yards. A problem with their use is your need some form of lifting devise such as a capstan in a very Strong structure. Oak would be a good wood as its fairly cheap and easily found. Hydraulic cylinders could be hidden in a steel frame work covered with wood planks. Good luck with your project [This message has been edited by duncan (edited 06-30-2003).]
sailorman Member	posted 06-30-2003 11:56 PM Thanks Peter - I had not thought of that at all but I still favor the "normal" type as I want it to completely cover the entrance while I am not there (this will be a second home) Duncan - I am afraid of the weight of the chains - going to do some serious investigation for a plastic chain (plastics is my profession). Oak is my default wood and have plenty (as well as a portable sawmill) The concept of the cylinders inside the wood is a great one. Going to do some sketches over the holiday WE.
Whitemanfrtown Member	posted 07-04-2003 09:07 PM Greetings. Bear with me-im new to computers. But im not new to construction. Ive been working on creating my own castle for a few years now and certainly would like to share some info. please see my additional topic entitled "Im making one..." Scott.

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