electric pully system

[hornblower]

I used the 440 lbs. electric hoist with remote control (currently $99) from Harbor Freight to suspend a small 6' by 6' layout from a bedroom ceiling.  I mounted the winch low on one wall with a "load spreader" (a piece of aluminum bar stock about 2' long) attached to the winch cable.  Two suspension cables were attached to each end of the "load spreader" and ran up to pulleys mounted on the ceiling and back down to the corners of the layout.  I found that it was MUCH easier to keep the layout level by making two of the four suspension cables cross to opposite corners of the layout (the two cables on each end of the load spreader ran to opposite corners of the layout).  Once I figured this out, I never had to adjust the system again.  This layout was in place for several years but even this small layout proved to be too big for the bedroom it was in.  I should have taken pictures of the suspension system but, for some reason, I never did.

[RR_Mel]

I built a lift system for a 6’ x 12’ layout in my kids bedroom (revamped two car garage) back in the 70s using a winch similar to the HF Winch.

 

https://www.harborfreight.com/1500-lb-capacity-120-volt-ac-electric-winch-96127.html

 

I don’t remember where I got it or the brand name.  Back then there wasn’t any Big Box stores.  I lived in a small town and we only had two hardware type stores (lumber stores back then).  I just used pulleys commonly stocked and aircraft type cable, maybe ⅛”.

 

 

Pretty straight forward, four point pickup using about 2” or 2¼” diameter pulleys.

 

I didn’t weigh it so I can only guess at it weighing maybe around 150 pounds.  It worked flawlessly for 12 years until we moved.  I salvaged everything but never reused any of it, long gone now.

 

Because kids were raising and lowering it I used a lever switch as a shutoff to prevent the pulleys from being pull out of the ceiling.  I made a pair of A frame type sawhorses for the layout to set on so they could remove the cable hooks when the layout was being used.

 

 

Mel

 

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

 

[cuyama]

Welcome to the forum. Your first few posts will be delayed while waiting for moderation, but stick around and that passes soon.

Boat lifts might be a good starting point. Note that counterweights will make the lift easier, but roughly double the weight on the ceiling members.

Here's a detailed thread from the past with references and photos of examples.

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/146796.aspx

Good luck with your layout.

Byron

 

[gregc]

garage door opener?

[mbinsewi]

Welcome to the MR forums.

Sure, it's very possible, and has been done.  I can't link you to any specific articles or pictures, but there have been articles on it, and it has been discussed in here.

Your pretty much on your own as far as the actually design.

Find a winch or lift, look at the many different assortment of pulleys, and light cable availiable, and design away.

I don't think there is one specific design that fits all situations.

Do some searching on the net, and see what you find.

And above all, as you design this, and put it together, keep us posted in here, with pictures!

Who knows, you might come up with a design and a system that is worthy to be invited to submit an article or a "how to".

Mike.

 

[bigdhc]

I am looking for a 110 volt electric pully system to raise and lower my 4 x 8 model train set up. A cable or pully system. Possible ?