Train Elevator When I started planning my G scale layout back in 2005, I went over the plans time and time again. The one part of the whole plan that I gave the most thought to was the helix. After numerous calculations I came up with a vary short and steep helix, well maybe not quite a helix. It went one time around and then continued straight down the wall. All in all I managed to get to the second level just 22” above the first level in 20 feet of travel. The grade was steep and required 2 locomotives to pull the 4 car passenger trains up the hill. Where as freight trains where broken into 2 or 3 sections at a time. At first this was called “ operation challenges “. Latter it became to be know as a pain in the but. This worked relatively well ( The part about being a pain in my but ) for several years. But over time the need to use a helper for every train and then still not making the grade in one shot became well… a big pain in the but. In short it got in the way of running trains. Then 2 attempts at rebuilding the helix failed to achieve the desired affect, we began to consider other options. It was soon concluded that there really was not enough room for a wider helix or even switch backs. Then the idea of an elevator came along. Then after much planning several trips to home depot. And a few re-do’s a working elevator emerged. Here is a link to a video I made of the project. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K86V3L9aAMg I'm also posting some photos of the elevator.
Sean, That is super sweet. I like how smoothly and level it operates. Any chance that you might post a how-to that summarizes the construction of this magnificent piece of machinery?
Here is a more detailed description on how I built the train elevator. I’m sorry this took so long to post, I was so vary busy with work and all. The Dunkirk Allegheny Valley and Pittsburgh Model Railroad ( Elevator )
