http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/167937.aspx
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/160317.aspx
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/161288.aspx
The Google search string:cs.trains.com: "train elevator"
... yields a number of results. Google is often a good way to search this forum
On the subject of train elevators, these are not trivial projects. Lifting a whole train (while keeping it perfectly level and with repeated precise re-registration at top and bottom) has proved to be too much of a challenge for some experienced builders. Best of luck.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
RR-RAMI plan to run the track overhead around the room above the windows and doors.
Rick,
Due to space restrictions, I tried an "around the ceiling" HO scale layout in my son's room several years ago. The layout height was set at just above the window and door frame height. Although the layout operated well, it was not enjoyable to operate since it was difficult to see the trains and impossible to see the track without standing on a ladder. My son, who was about two and a half feet shorter than myself at the time lost almost all interest in this layout within a few weeks. It got to the point that this layout was run only when friends came to visit and then for maybe ten or fifteen minutes. Needless to say, this layout was dismantled in less than a year.
I considered building a Murphy Bed style tilting layout but quickly realized that I would have to store all rolling stock, vehicles and any other scenic details not cemented to the layout in a separate location. I would have to place all of the rolling stock, vehicles and other loose scenic details on the layout whenever I wanted to operate it. Likewise, I would have to remove all of these items whenever I needed to fold up the layout. Once I pictured forgetting to remove an expensive model and dumping it on the floor, I nixed the fold-up layout idea.
I next tried to build my son a compact 6' by 6' layout suspended from the ceiling of his room. A well designed and electrically powered suspension system meant that everything could remain on the layout whenever it was raised or lowered. However, easy layout access was limited to a central control area as the normal bedroom furniture around the perimeter of the room hampered access outside the layout perimeter. Although this layout lasted several years and kept our interest far longer, the various compromises necessary for its construction meant that I eventually gave up on this layout as well.
My current layout occupies half of my two-car garage on two decks with helix transitions. I made sure that the design of this layout would allow me to reach all of the trackwork without having to duck, crawl or climb and that I had at least 30 inches of aisle space for access around all operating areas of the layout. The result has been far more satisfying and I know I will continue to operate and work on this layout for years to come. Granted, I had to sacrifice a few things in order to take over the garage but I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. If you can somehow manage to dedicate a room, or even part of a room, to your layout, I would recommend taking that direction rather than compromise on less satisfying designs. A small layout, even a shelf style switching layout, with easy access will yield far more satisfaction than any larger layout that is difficult to reach. Remember that you need to be able to interact with your layout for it to be any kind of success.
Hornblower
THere was an article "Build a Train Elevator" in the June 2009 MR; you can contact MR customer service to order a reprint
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
I don't see any box labeled "community assistance". There is a box at the top of the page that says search this site, and another lower down that says search this community. I believe that the search this community box is the one to use.
In any case I did put "train elevator" in the search community box and did come up with a number of hits. However, to be fair to the OP, none of them seemed to have anything to do with train elevators.
I do know that the train elevator topic has come up in the past. But I don't know how to find it.
Not under Community Assistance. On the main page or the Model Railroader General Discussion forum (which is where this entire conversation belongs.) Community Assistance is for things general to the site software or Kalpubco's company information. Its unfortunate location attracts a lot of stuff that should be dealt with in the more specific forums farther down the page.
FWIW, I went to the Model Railroader forums and entered "train elevators." Even before I keyed 'search' he black box filled up.
Chuck
Thanks Chuck,
I tried "Train Elevator" with quotes as you recomended and it came back with results = 0, so I tried without quotes and got a lot of results but no train elevators. I presume you were refering to the forum under community assistance.
If you go to the Model Railroader forums and enter "Train Elevator" (including quotation marks) in the Search block you'll get at least a night's reading on the subject, including suggestions for suitable commercial products that can be used or adapted.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - including John Armstrong design elevators)
I have a small space 9 foot by 11.5 foot and I want to use no less then 16" radius track. I plan to run the track overhead around the room above the windows and doors. I also want to bring the train down to bench level for the freight yard and point to point operations.
So I tried to squeeze in a means for switchback and I may still try a helix in one corner but their is not enough room for the switchback idea since it is much too restrictive.
I had seen an article in the NMRA magazine many years ago but have long since given my old issues away and I could use some helpful suggestions on creating and controlling an elevator that can take the whole train from bench level up to ceiling level and back as needed .
Your assistance will be most appreciated,
Thanks
Rick