The Train Elevator

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I don’t know if any of you have had a chance to view this:

http://www.trains.com/mrr/default.aspx?c=a&id=3157

It’s a neat alternative to a helix. But, just like he said; it only works for trains with small lengths. It may be be great for narrow gauge, but it wouldn’t totally replace a helix.

Enjoy.

2

That’s quite the setup. Like you said though you would be very limited in train length.

3

Since I’m not a subscriber I don’t get to see it. I had a train elevator that I built on a past layout. It was operated by the use of ropes and pulleys. No motor was involved.

4

I forgot the MR’s video content is for subscribers only. Basically the guy used a garage door opener that was installed vertically to move his trains.

5

That’s a cool idea.

6

Nicely done within the limits the owner set for himself. It could be expanded - the John Armstrong ‘dehydrated canal lock’ was 16 feet long - and the prohibition on backing moves could be addressed with some rather simple circuitry.

My own elevator will be longer, but straight, and will be operated with a simple lever. As for the stop circuit - would you believe, a diode? of course, the elevator will be single ended, and all movements will be cars first on, locomotive first off.

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

7

Hi There;

This is what I built. It works great. I am going to use a power window motor to replace the crank.\

Tom

8

That’s a great idea! I was thinking about incorperating some kind of lift mechanism to lift the sceincking off of my hidden tracks. Maybe something like this wold work.