Suspended / Retractable Layouts ?

[Anonymous]

Gentlemen,

Has anyone out there built a suspended layout that is hung from the ceiling and can retract / lower on pulleys ?

I'm fighting a space problem and think that I might be able to sell the wife on a retractable layout.

I would love to correspond with anyone who has built something like this. In particular I am interested in learning what sort of cabling, block and tackle, winch hardware is needed / available.

Thanks,
Jeff

[Anonymous]

Hi Jeff. I asked this same question about a month ago. There was one in a magazine last fall but I don't remember the mag whether it was CTT or O gauge rails. Apparently someone else has built one but I can't remember his name. His layout is in one of the great layout books. If you figure it out, let me know, I have the same space problem. I don't think it would be all that difficult to rig something that you could raise & lower. Of course you couldn't have anything loose on the layout when winching up and down and have retractable legs underneath. John[8D][:o)]

[Boyd]

I've never done one but here are a few ideas for if it is heavy. Use a counterweight on the cable to offset the tables weight. Or use a cheap coffing hoist like,,, the chain type that mechanics use to remove engines out of cars. If there is a will there is a way.

[FJ and G]

Jeff,

My good friend is building a "retractable" layout with pieces that slide in and out. He's going to do an article for OGR on the topic. I haven't yet seen it but will likely visit him in near future and describe what he's doing.

A key electrical feature is the connectors, which I wrote about at length last week

[tjsprague]

O-Gauge Ralroading, August 2003, Run 195, had an article titled "Phil Klopp's Aerial Layout." It describes a layout and the pully system Phil uses on a 12' x 5' Prewar layout which he can lower into a space where it butts up to his around the wall highrail layout. Looks a bit complicated, but if Phil did it, it's done right.
Good luck, keep us informed of your progress.

[wrmcclellan]

Note on his design he crosses one set of wires so opposite corners are supported. Thus if one wire breaks/comes loose, the layout does not hit the floor in a big way.

[Dr. John]

When I lived in Mobile, I belonged to a round-robin train club. One of the members had a nice O guage layout in his garage with a pulley system. When in use he used plastic legs to help support the layout. Here's a link to his website with some photos:

http://ntserver.shc.edu/faculty/hall/www/hallgrlo.htm

[Anonymous]

Thanks Dr. John,

That's the type of example I was looking for !

Jeff

[Anonymous]

That looks like what I want too. Thanks a lot. John[8D][:o)]

[Anonymous]

John,

Google this;;; ProStor PHL-1R HeavyLift

Jeff

[Anonymous]

It may just work as is or maybe I'll just make one with longer arms. Thanks again. John[8D][:o)]

[underworld]

I found a few sites that have the suspended systems
http://www.locoboose.com/
http://www.julestoytrains.com/
http://www.trainshelving.com/
http://www.upandawayrailway.com/

Maybe some other options

underworld

[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]

[jimhaleyscomet]

Last week I was in Target and they had a pully system for lifting bikes for storage. It may come in handy.

Jim H

[Anonymous]

My 6 x 12 foot layout is stored at verticle. (also great for working on the electronics under the layout). one edge has three wheels to roll it into the garage for long term storage. I use metal studs and 2" styrofoam to significanly reduce the weight (150 pounds) yet provide rigidity.

[Anonymous]

Here is another hoist system

http://www.hoister.com/default.php