Our club (www.wimrc.ca) is planning the introduction of a portable hinged lift-up module to reduce the need for duck-unders, which are becoming more onerous as some of our members grow in size (unfortunately), and all of us age - pitiful cries of aching backs and knees are heard every session!
The self-contained module would feature a four foot long hinged deck just wide enough to support two or three through-tracks, supported by vertical sections at each end (so as not to depend on adjoining modules) and with a floor level bottom channel acting as a conduit for the DCC Loconet, track power bus and 110 volt utility cables running between the adjoining modules. A concern we have is that the module is likely to be heavy, probably more than 60 to 70 lbs and a bit of a monster to move when going to and from shows.
We’d appreciate hearing any comments, recommendations or references.
This sounds like a good idea. If the weight is a concern, could you make it only two or three feet long? Two feet should be sufficient to pass through.
If all modules need to be be four feet total length to make the puzzle fit, just create a short “companion” sub-module to go with the lift up.
What is making it so heavy? For a single special module, maybe you should think about splurging a bit to get lightweight materials, like hollow steel beams instead of 2x4’s for support, or foam instead of plywood, with a light wood frame. If the table level itself is the heavy part, that kind of defeats the purpose of a lift-up. People will duck under anyway to avoid having to lift the heavy table. After all, it’s not a particularly ergonomic process to lift a heavy item from waist or chest height up a couple of feet. That’s all arms, and anyone with sore wrists or elbows is really going to feel it.
I guess “splurge” wasn’t really an appropriate term, either, because these materials are generally cheaper than the heavier items they substitute for. Maybe just “break old habits” is better.
Our club built a 4’ lift-up module with a steel base. The bridge itself is 2’. The idea was durability, and stability! The wood framework eaily unbolts, making it easier to transport. It’s fully adjustable, and is self adjusting to humidity changes. Any severe track difference can easily be adjusted by a twist of a screw or nut. We don’t ever set up for shows or anything, so with a permanancy in mind, the weight wasn’t an issue. The steel framework itself probably weighs around 60 lbs. The pivot point was set at track level, so there would be almost no gap between rails at that point. We could have set the pivot rod at sub-roadbed level, but then we would have had at least a 1/16" gap, and 45 degree angles on the track. We figured we would cover up the the pivot rod somehow with scenery… We run DCC, and the breaker is set up to kill the tracks on the joining modules on either side. (wiring not yet installed in photo) The loco net cable runs down the frame and along the bottom, then back up to the next module.
Awhile back Andy with MR magazine brought to my attention a nifty lift-out section which was first published in MR magazine in December 1999 issue, I believe on page 97.
It uses magnetic cabinet latches, and the power is routed through the latches so when it lifts out there’s no danger of a train nose diving into the floor below.
I sent for that issue through MR and plan on making one for my layout.
Doesn’t look to be heavy at all.
This partuclar one was for HO scale.
You might consider using steel studs for framing. I have been using them for ALL my layout framing, and have been very happy with the results.
Even the “heavy” 20-gauge studs designed for load bearing walls are a LOT lighter than equivalent 2x4 lumber, not to mention having much greater dimensional stability. For a movable structure, I would go with bolted or riveted joints rather than the sheet metal screws which I find adequate for fixed work. Diagonal members can be smaller (I personally use 2.5 inch stud material, but crossed tension members could be rods connected by turnbuckles.) Tin snips and a little imagination can create some very sturdy joints without separate gussets.
I had made preliminary sketches for a lift section (it would have been a bascule type, counterbalanced for ease of lifting - I am not Hercules) but later redesign of the layout eliminated the need.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September 1964, on all-steel “C acts like L” girder benchwork)
