Wagon Hoist

[John Candy]

As my wagon stock is rapidly expanding, storage is becoming a problem.
When (some skeptics are saying if ) I start my garden line next Spring, I want a convenient means of rolling the stock to/from secure storage onto the running track.

Current thinking is to make use of the garage loft (approx. 400 sq ft of unused and boarded space, already fitted with lights, power and a loft ladder) and install an electric hoist to raise the stock from a siding, connected though the wall of the garage to the garden line.

For the hoist deck I am considering an adapted track module (of the Ian Turner variety, of which I have four on order) but have not given much thought as to propulsion!

From track height to loft floor will be a lift of around 7 feet (assuming track is 2 ft above floor level) and will need a winding drum and a system of pulleys to keep the deck level (and vertical guide rails) plus some safety micro switches/relays to prevent overrun.

Anyone any experience of hoists?

John.

[Andy B]

Hi John,

A quick Google (based on some memory I had lurking in the grey cells...) found this:
http://www.rosewarnejunction.me.uk/VerticalTraverser.htm

And some further discussion here:
http://www.modelrailforum.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20490

Not sure if they quite match your ambitions - but might give some useful thoughts.

Andy

[AllWight]

Hi John

Much cheaper and simpler  solution is to make up cassettes capable of holding say 6 wagon.
Design it to be end loading and there is an easy way to pack your wagons safely.
The cassetes could also be a handy carry box that you can pick up and go with to a GTG. No hoist needed and quick to load/unload.

Mark

[blagdon]

John, I agree with Mark; however why not add it to your hoist concept by constructing a form of 'Dumb Waiter' that could be used to raise/lower to cassettes between loft and layout level. As Mark points out, the cassettes / storage boxes would be useful for bringing stock to Get-To-Gethers.

Ian the Gauge '3' Pirate

[John Candy]

Andy, Mark, Ian,

Thank you for your suggestions.
As I mentioned previously, I have on order four of the "track module" kits which are to be built as end loading storage/carrying modules.
One of those I am considering converting to use as a hoist deck (capable of raising approx. nine wagons at each lift) so that trains can be shunted on/off directly from the garden track.
The "dumb waiter", using a concrete block as a counter-weight, could be a better alternative to an electric motor.

Regards,
John.

[AllWight]

Sounds like you need wallace and gromit to design and build it for you

mark