Winch system from the ceiling for hanging HO Model Train Layout #2

[Kuzzin2011]

Harbor Freight rocks! Good for "Harry the homeowner", not for contractors. Hope to see more video soon.

[Wireflight1]

Did you say, "Call the police if you're working awhile" around 1:28? What was that comment, what did it mean?

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Also: for the alignment, you can use wheels/rollers at the edges (box them in; use either a stud to set "depth" or a spring would be ok (maybe harder to calculate ideal force), and use a vertical strap (or angle, etc.) for a guide and "runway." Garage-door sensors should be adequate for raising/lowering limit switches.

[fhferret]

@Wireflight1 - It was really late and i think i said - "all the pulley's seam to be working well".

I'm note sure i understand your spring idea but do like the idea of using infrared sensors for stopping positions. I actually have a whole bag of the sensors now that i'm using for train position sensing paired with an arduino controller. Since this video was made I have added lots of weight to the layout and everything is working perfectly.

[fhferret]

@fhferret - *Seem

[Wireflight1]

Did you say, "Call the police if you're working awhile" around 1:28?  What was that comment, what did it mean?

[Wireflight1]

I don't understand why you didn't just use the nuts below the eyebolts for leveling (washer/spreader above nut to keep wood from being compressed). Gotta give you props for prototyping your idea, though, and it looks like you did a pretty decent (_way_ better than average) job with the framing. Nice!

[fhferret]

@Wireflight1 - In this stage the bolts are easily accessible. With all the planning i figured out most of the bolts (above & below) would be covered or would have very little range in adjustment due to me not wanting to get long eye bolts and smack my head on them all the time. When the layout is finished there will actually be auto folding legs that come out the bottom so the layout can stand on it's own and the cables can be lifted away.

[bnsfrailnut]

Great video and layout design! Great space management!!!! Can't wait to see more.

[fhferret]

@bnsfrailnut - Me too! I started this layout thinking like all other train enthusiast that i would have a fully functioning layout in a year or so. Today is actually a year and one day since i posted this video and i have maybe only 40% of the track down. I actually started this project about 2 years ago for my then unborn son. When he was born he had a few complications and for the first 6 months i just didn't have the time or energy to continue on the project. Now things are back on track.

[Kuzzin2011]

I'm starting something similar, but with manual pulleys. I'm very interested to see how this turns out. Keep posting! I'll tray and post my progress...as soon as it warms up in the garage...lol. Hopefully we can learn from each other.

Good luck and I'll keep watching.

[retrainrun]

You're track plan! Structures, mountains,how that is going to be affected by the lift.

[Kuzzin2011]

@retrainrun

My guess is that he won't be able to go as high as he would like. Depends if he wants mountains.

FERRET: Was it difficult to put our plywood over the "t-brackets"? Do you have a layout design yet?

[fhferret]

@Kuzzin2011 - My layout is really all framing except the train yard. Since the yard is above some hidden underpasses i really din't have to worry about laying the plywood flush with the T brackets. If i was going to build a flat layout i would not have needed the brackets since the wood would be screwed directly to the frame. I actually helped a friend build a winch layout that is flat and it works very well. My design is based on the atlas HO-29 with expanded dual line and just more to it.

[fhferret]

With the height of the layout in it's current up position i have 14" to the drywall and then another 10 if i cut the drywall to the base of the second floor. The bummer with the extra 10" is that it is only about 15" wide between the floor beams. I plan to build 2 mountains that are larger than the14". I'll just have to plan that @ 14" the mt. can only be 15" wide. Or i can lower the up position (now almost 8 feet) and have lots of space. It just wouldn't be symmetrical with the big beam.

[retrainrun]

I just saw you're video! I was searching for something totally different, and had to comment.That is so clever,you get to keep the space for you're car!! Great idea!! I'm subscribing to so Ican see the progress.

[fhferret]

Thanks Retrainrun - I have been meaning to make a progress video in the daytime with a little more detail. I'll try and post a followup in the next week. Anything i should highlight?

[Kuzzin2011]

@fhferret

Ferret: Can you get some "light" on your winch and hookups? I'd like to see the attachments. Maybe a trouble light could help.

btw, I dig Harbor Freight too! NW Indiana here.

[fhferret]

@Kuzzin2011 - i have new video i shot about 8 months ago for you with a flood light and ladder! I just haven't had the chance to edit it all together. Don't hold me to it but maybe soon. I used to be a tool snob until i found HF - now i laugh in the face of full price tools! On the other hand i always do the research on what i'm getting to see if it makes more sense to buy another brand.