I like your hinge idea.
My Craftsman drill press has a setup like that for the belt drive assembly cover up top.As it lifts it articulates 'rearward' as it gains elevation.Very easy access to all the 'guts.'
Charles Farmer,my speed-freak neighbor in Krum uses a similar articulation for the canopy of his Bonneville streamliner.
Some of the Bede aircraft have also used it.
I think you'll love it.
