Ski lift / wire trolley, need info / help

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hello,

I am wanting to put on the walls about 2 feet above the ceiling.

A ski lift / trolley system. that can go around pulleys in a continous motion.

The only thing I have been able to find, that is close is the LGB Lehmann rigi duo.

But it’s not a level system and does not go around the pulley only up and down.

I was even thinking of mounting pulleys on each corner of the walls and have it go all the way around the room.

http://www.shopatron.com/product/product_id=LGB89591/394.0.16742.0.0.0.0

this is a link to a ski lift system, but as I mentioned it does not go strait across or around the pulley. It has auto switch that makes it go up and down.

So, I was hoping someone has does something like I am wanting to do. unless someone might know who makes or sells what I am wanting.

which is a wire trolley, not a train trolley. or a ski lift / gondola that can hand and run on a wire / rope / string. Going around the pulley. with having a motor turn one of the pullies for the motion.

Also where I might find parts to make or adapt a system that will work. I want to do this for my childrens room.

Thanks,

Sporty

2

Trying to recall if ever a model ski-lift was ever made.

<> http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/186-6270

<> you may have to fashoin extra parts or scrounge to do more, but its a start.

3

thanks for the link,

Thats alot like the one, but in G scale, the LBG lahmann rigi duo.

I sent them a e-mail. As I dont need the whole kit, most of it I could not use. Also, I want them to go around the pulley in a continous motion. I think both of these kits only go up and down, not around the pulley. They stop and either you have to push a button for them to move again or just go back up or down automatic.

I am also not sure the motor will handle the additional distance. as we are talking say, 18 feet one way. so thats about 36 feet of wire.

So hopfully somone else might know of a kit or items closer to what I want to do. And perhaps those two places that I have contacted can sell just pieces.

I am actually surprised, that something is not already out there like this. Alot of houses and apartments dont have alot of room and mouting on walls and in the air. Seem like a item that would be desired.

I know if I just went with and did the slope set up as the kits are about this. My kids would destroy it in a matter of days or would get bumped or broke easily. Jusr being the part of space and down mid level.

Sporty

4

I believe BUSCH make a cable/trolley set up and ski lift.Being european it could easily be adapted to nth american standards

5

Thanks,

I found there web site, did not see anything, but I also sent them a e-mail. In hopes they respond back with some info.

I am finding this alot harder than I thought.

Sporty

6

Here’s a “funicular” search at Euro Rail Hobbies…

http://www.eurorailhobbies.com/ERH/eurorailhobbieslist.asp?RD=%23&MN=&erh_find=funicular&SearchGo=Go

7

This caught my eye the other day…

http://cgi.ebay.com/Eheim-Operating-Cable-Car-Set-OB-Like-New-745G_W0QQitemZ110063114926QQihZ001QQcategoryZ484QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Too bad I don’t have a use for it. It looks like a great piece of plunder.

8

This funicular is now part of the Busch line. I had the Eheim version when I was a kid in Germany (Army brat).

9

How well did/do they work? I always liked things like this (I really like the LGB), but model HO based on the Santa Fe and Southern Pacific in west Texas, so it wouldn’t work too well on my layout.

10

I got a reply back from Walthers.

The responce was limited.

Individual components of this kit are not available.

The chairs go around the pulley. Cable is continuous and will operate when
motor operates.

Almost seems like no one out there build or sells what I am wanting. Some somewhat close matches.

If have to buy one of the three that I have found, all around $200.00. Then have to modify it to get the what I want it to do. Then I would say I am looking at another $100.

So for probably around $350. I would have what I am looking for.

But aside from the gondola ski lift, I dont know if anything from those models, I could really use without alot of adapting.

I would not think that the motor would be powerfull enough to handle the added distance and weight.

I would have thought, that they would have atleast sold just the gondola.

Really, I feel the prices for the kits are pretty high. When you think about the cost of a gondola box car or something pretty close to it.

Around $10 to $20 for the gondolas each. $4.00 for the line. $10 for the plastic. $10 for the motor.A few dollars wrapped up in the the figures and odd parts.

I mean maybe I am wrong here, but seems like a pretty big mark up.

So perhaps, some company will make closer to what I am looking for. If not, I might have to find a used rigi duo for some parts at a good price and buy / assemble / make the rest.

Sporty

11

I sent several e-mails to various model / hobby MFG’s.

I am hoping that one of those companies will not just roll past my idea.

I am hoping that one of them will put into production or make a ski lift / wire trolley system that can be mounted on the wall and go to the other end of the room (wall mount).

Then go around the pulley and circle around continous.

But so, far none have replied back with any interest. I had two respond back with they dont have the tools or die’s to make one.

I would think that there would be plenty of people out there, that would want something like this. Even if you put aside the gondola and trollie idea. I think a H.O. or G scale airplane attached in this matter and doing the same thing.

I feel this idea / item would be a hit. Time will tell if I get a positive responce or not.

Sporty