r/modeltrains • u/timmie124 • 2d ago

Layout Built a train elevator

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

I wanted a 2 level layout with the first level being for staging and storage. Originally, I was going to use a helix, but it was going to take up too much room with the radius I wanted to run. I then decided to build a large incline, but that also ended up taking too much room on the layout and I ended up taking it out. So, I decided to try and build an elevator instead.

It's still in the fine tuning stage, but I was able to use 600mm linear rails and a couple of 16-inch actuators. The table is 8 foot long, and I'll be running two lanes on the elevator. From the research I've done, the capacity seems to surpass what i could have done with a helix or an incline.

The control system could have been simpler, but I wanted to be able to control this with DCC as if it were a loco, so I ended up using an audrino and optocoupler and a bts7960 and got it working with my dcc-ex command station

If I were to do this again I would use stepper actuators as I wouldn't need to use limiter switches and the original plan was a single actuators but wasn't able to keep it level so ended having to use two and will have to find away to slow the speed slightly for the actuator on the left and a stepper motor would of provided more control to avoid that.

Overall, pretty happy with the way it turned out. I just need to finish the table construction and make some other minor adjustments, and I can start making real progress on my basement layout

66 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

9

u/Embarrassed_Kale6846 2d ago

So many have daydreamed of such a contraption.  Great work!

2

u/timmie124 1d ago

Thank you! It was definitely quite a journey getting the whole thing put together

4

u/cohenthekiwi 1d ago

Well done, I am impressed. She Who Must Be Consulted suggested I build something like this for the layout I'm planning. I told her it's not that easy and I don't have the expertise required.

2

u/timmie124 1d ago

It looks intimidating, but I promise it's easier than it looks, I pretty much just winged the construction! hardest part was making it DCC compatible which is 100% optional.

I plan on putting the schematic, code and, .STL's on github in the near future so others can give this a shot if they want!

2

u/Zestyclose-Ship-6 1d ago

Epic engineering!

1

u/barnaclebill22 1d ago

Can you post a track plan and show how trains will go between levels?