Here's a cool idea for connecting a two-level layout. Bruce Barney models CP Rail rail barge operations in southern B.C. Since he models a line that is disconnected from the regular rail network, and can only be reached by a barge trip up Slocan Lake, an elevator connecting two levels make sense.
Bruce's layout was on display at the recent NMRA convention, which is how I found out about it.
See more photos and a link to a video of the elevator in operation on my blog at http://cprailmmsub.blogspot.ca/2015/09/use-elevator-to-connect-multi-level.html
John Longhurst, Winnipeg
Very cool. Kinda like a lock on a canal.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Nice!
I like the way the backdrop and lake surface are part of the elevator 'car.'
My own elevator is buried inside a mountain, and strongly resembles a rain gutter in a box skeleton of steel studs.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
What did you use to raise the section John? I've thought of using a Flat Panel TV lift for this purpose. I found one that would lift 70 lbs, had programmable stops, and came with a remote, but I go between that and a gradual climb (that would eat up valuable industry space).Dan
According to the NMRA convention page about his layout, Bruce used a "linear actuator." http://ldsig.org/Portland2015/Layouts/Barney
John
Creative like what the Brits do over in England. I wouldn't want to have to connect to levels that way however - kind of cramps the continuous running ability!
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
riogrande5761I wouldn't want to have to connect to levels that way however - kind of cramps the continuous running ability!
But it works well for the car float concept. The cars leave one end of the track, spend some time crossing the lake, and end up at the other track.
ETA: I think this is really neat. It's the first time I've seen a scenicked section act as an elevator.
Steve S
That is absolutely perfect for the car float concept. Another possible place would be to model the NYC waterfront on a small upper level, and have a full lower level be one of the railroads through New Jersey. Carfloat on the elevator.
Or if freelancing - there's that concept drawing with multiple railroad interchanges in John Armstrong's Track Planning for Realistic Operation. The one with ABC railroad, DEF railroad, XYZ railroad, etc. One of the connections is a carfloat. So - double deck layout, with one side of the river or what have you on the lower deck, and the other side on the upper deck. Two full decks, no space gobbling helix, and totally realistic.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
That looks amazing. Thanks for posting this, I am happy to see such great modelling of the Slocan car ferry.