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Video Tour of My Train Elevator
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- Опубликовано: 15 авг 2024
- Design of train elevator for dual level N scale model railroad.
Music Credit:
"Back to the Wood" by Jason Shaw
audionautix.com
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:42 Track Plan
01:26 Wall Cleats
01:56 Track Levels
02:24 Elevator Position
03:20 Actuator
03:47 Rails & Bearings
04:06 Piccadilly Prototype
04:25 Troubleshooting
05:01 Power Supply
05:12 Elevator Demo Up
06:09 Elevator Demo Down
How I Built My Train Elevator:
• How I Built My Train E...
Oh my, WHAT?!! This is incredible!! Thank you, RUclips algorithm for recommending this channel! I have subscribed and am excited to watch this build progress! That elevator is AMAZING!!!
Thanks, Keegan. I'm really excited about the elevator for the Bethany Branch Line. I think it will be just the "ticket." -- Russell
Very nice. I have been running one very similar on my N scale layout for a few years now that raises trains from my staging level to the main layout. Mine is about 7 feet long and runs using 50cm lead screw based linear actuators with stepper motors at each end - controlled via Arduino with a DCC interface so I can trigger it with an accessory command. I started out using just cheap cameras to monitor the hidden areas but recently added some proximity sensors to each end to prevent trains from overrunning the elevator (I mostly run with computer automation so need good failsafes!).
Wow, I would like to see your elevator, Chris. Do you have a video posted? -- Russell
@@BethanyBranchLine I don’t have a video posted but will see what I can put together over the weekend!
@@chrisc6333 That would be super.
@@BethanyBranchLine The video is here on my other channel ruclips.net/video/zbKatO5a_wg/видео.html
@@chrisc6333 Chris, I really appreciate your posting and left a comment there. Your work is impressive. You might be interested in checking out Siebewalde's automated dual deck Fiddle Yard. He''s obviously a professional electronics engineer ruclips.net/video/IH37Bj4QqWM/видео.html -- Russell
Very nicely done! I love the modular design of it. Well done!
Thanks, W.O.B II. I appreciate your interest. More to come... -- Russell
Great job! Good to see your elevator working, and also the adaptions you’ve made. When I made mine I found it took a few goes to get it running smoothly. Expansion and contraction of the tracks did cause one or two minor issues. All easily resolved. Ill look forward to seeing the upper level and trains running from one to the other.
Thanks a bunch, John. Your videos are like my Bible. I owe it all to you! (Keep up your awesome work!) -- Russell
@@BethanyBranchLine You’re very welcome, glad to be of help.
hmmm, makes me think of building a vertical fiddle yard, like a moving vitrine for trains, very inspiring construction.
I think you have something there, Observer1964. I've seen vertical fiddle yards on RUclips but not with actuators. The challenge with using an actuator to power a vertical fiddle yard would be building an accurate indexing system to stop at the intermediate track levels. The actuator comes with built-in stop switches for the minimum and maximum extensions. Your indexing system would have to control the external DC power supply to the actuator to stop at the intermediate track levels -- Russell
Nice vid. I've seen quite a few videos on helix construction, one or two on ramp design, but this is the first I've ever seen about an elevator for multi levels. Fascinating idea. Will you consider offering more detail about the products you used, where you got them, and assembly?
Yes, Donald. I will share more construction details. I got the train elevator idea from Picadilly Model Railway of Manchester, England. Check out this video, which explains the construction: ruclips.net/video/zAZo0C9GWbI/видео.html -- Russell
Very nicely put together video and very entertaining as well. Thanks for posting this.
Thanks for you kind words, Kurt. Look for further developments in the near future -- Russell
I like the train elevator. It does away with cumbersome hélices and sabes space. What a pitty that you didn't go for the all around the walls design. So many advantages to it!
Though I am an unexperienced novice, I agree with your sentiments about helices, based on my observations of others'. I went with a dogbone design with continuous running instead of around the walls, because I did not want the maintenance hassles of a lift-up bridge; plus my train room is rather small. I'm new a this, but I think I have my hands full! -- Russell
Very well thought out. Looking forward to seeing it in action.
Thanks, Dale. I am looking forward to seeing it in action also! -- Russell
Fantastic idea 100% like it new here looking forward to more of the build awesome stuff👍🏻🚂
Thanks, Mike. More videos on the way, including one featuring my Arduino-powered, automatic control system to ensure safe Elevator operation for trains. -- Russell
Nice benchwork.
Thanks, Michael. I'm learning as I go. When I complete the lower level benchwork and track, I'll post another video. -- Russell
Nice elevator. I believe you were referencing John Warner and his Piccadilly Station and Piccadilly Sidings You Tube channel.
That's right, Norman. I didn't know John's name. Thanks.
I use four of the same jacks to lift the 1/2" glass up 6" to access my 3' x 5' Z scale coffee table.
That sounds innovative, Steve. Did you post video? You probably could teach me a thing or two -- Russell
Can't wait to see trains running with that working. Bob
Thanks for your interest, Bob. I have two videos coming up in a week or so: The first video will explain the track plan. The second video explains my Arduino-based gate control system for the Elevator. I post the videos primarily for my own edification, with no set schedule. -- Russell
I think you married well. Love her chuckle when you talked about giving a "quickie."
Nice construction. I look forward to updates.
Thanks, KutWrite. I did indeed marry well. The boss has given over our spare bedroom for my empire! -- Russell
@@BethanyBranchLine Cool! I was trying to figure out which town or stop was named for her... Lee? Bethany? or... ?
@@KutWrite No places in my track plan named after my wife, but I do plan to model two houses that she lived in (with me)! Watch for upcoming track plan video -- Russell
This works , but I suggest you order a better actuator. The more expensive ones are not as loud. Also you can build a box around the main body and put sound deadening material inside it. I work with these motors and not trying to be a hater.
Thanks for your suggestions, Adrien. I actually like the noise, as Elevator operation will be the feature event when it occurs. It's all an adventure -- Russell
Wonderful video. I look forward to following along!
Thanks for your interest, Gary. More video coming soon -- Russell
Yeah! You see these many times in the REAL world.
I wish. -- Russell
That’s such a cool idea and a space saver. Keep up the great work
Thanks. We'll see. I'm a newbie.
😳a first for me !!! It is going to be an interesting build !! I can not wait 🤯
Thanks, Ron. I'm so excited! More videos coming... -- Russell
Nice elevator concept, mine will be manual. Contrary to what you said, I will do the second level before the bottom one, for easier access for wiring and stuff, unless you can make it elsewhere and then install it ready to fonction. Good luck.
Thanks for your interest, Yves. My plan is to install track and wiring on my upper level on panels of 2-inch-thick extruded foam that will be removable until the wiring is done. That is why I notched the framing on its top edge for wiring channels attached to the underside of the foam panels. We'll see if I can make this work -- Russell
That’s a really cool idea. Looks like you will have a pretty nice layout.
We'll see, Silver State. I'm a newbie and haven't model trains before -- Russell
Seems like a lead screw could have been used for the lift and it would have everything up on the mounting board. Was there some advantage to choosing this piston lift in comparison?
You might very well be correct, pauljs75. I am new to all this and imitated the design and implementation of another N Scale modeler -- John Warner of Picadilly Model Ralways: ruclips.net/video/zAZo0C9GWbI/видео.html The rails+bearings make the mechanism glide smoothly with zero play, so probably any type of propulsion system would work. -- Russell
Nicely executed, very cool
Thanks, Dave. I have high hopes... -- Russell
Very interesting design, good job!!
Thanks, Victor. I got the design from Picadilly Model Railway of Manchester, England. Check out this video: ruclips.net/video/zAZo0C9GWbI/видео.html -- Russell
Now that is slick!
This is the first time I ever earn that appellation! -- Russell
Does the screw actuator have its own upper/lower limit switches built into it?
Yes, Chad. The limit switches are built into the actuator. I am preparing a video that shows a cutaway diagram. The built-in limit switches made it easy for my installation. I merely had to purchase an actuator with a stroke length to match the elevation I want for my Elevator. The actuator I chose has a stroke of 20 inches. They seem to be available in many different lengths at 2-inch intervals. If one had to adjust the position of the limit switches in an actuator, I wonder if one could remove the actuator's casing to access the limit switches and move them. Probably not in the cheap Chinese actuator that I purchased. Read comments below from other viewers, who have more expertise with actuators -- Russell
Nice vid. Good workmanship. How do you make the electrical connections between the elevated track and the rest of the layout. Are you running DCC or DC? Thanks in advance
Hi Savio. Thanks for your kind remarks. I'm new to the hobby. I'm going to run DCC. Rather than rely on intermittent contacts that will corrode over time, I'm going to hard wire the DCC signal to the Elevator Track with a dangling curley cord to get reliable performance. I'm going to run the DCC to the Elevator Track and to adjoining tracks on both levels through an Arduino-controlled automation system. The automation will turn on/off track DCC and power to the actuator, will automatically close and open track gates, and will detect if trains are in the way of the gates. Look for an upcoming video posting on the automation. -- Russell
Looking forward to your upcoming video. I am in the middle of building a traverser and was looking for ideas to power the tracks.
these components can be ordered from McMaster-Carr in fact
Good to know. Thanks -- Russell
Very cool!
Thanks! -- Russell
That's pretty cool 😊
Thanks, Randy. I appreciate your interest. I have more developments coming for the Bethany Branch Line. -- Russell
The noise us a little distracting but it works nicely. Always wanted to see an elevator incorporated into a layout.
Thanks, Andy. I look forward to making trains operational on the Elevator and to posting more videos. Other commentators agree with you opinion that the noise is distracting, but I actually like it. For me, operating the Elevator will be a feature event -- Russell
There may or may not be any gears in that linear actuator. The motor spins a screw inside the long arm that runs the smaller tube up or down. Were you manually stopping the actuator at the end of its run or was are there limit switches to do that?
Eric, the actuator stops itself with built-in limit switches. I will depend on that feature for accurate alignment of the train tracks when I finish the Elevator. The Ebay vendor of the actuator provided a cutaway illustration of the actuator's construction that shows the gears and limit switches inside. I will share that illustration in my upcoming video. I have no way of knowing whether the illustration accurately portrays how the actuator was made, but it seems consistent with how it works. Dozens of Chinese vendors on Ebay offer actuators that appear identical in features and construction. They have equivalent ratings for speed/load capacity, which I concluded is a function of their implementing the same gearing. -- Russell
@@BethanyBranchLine So there is no way for you to adjust the travel distance? The reason for my questions is I want to use an actuator (or two, which makes it even more important) to raise and lower some bench tools in my shop. I have several CNC tools that use the linear rails and stepper motors so Im used to installing limit switches as well as software controls on the distance they move. Gotta say, though, I can't wait to see your railroad in operation. Got goosebumps seeing the schematic!
@@ericperkins3078 I'm excited to see my railroad in action, too. All this design work won't count for anything if I can't get trains to right right. Fingers crossed. Back to the encased limit switches in the actuator I'm using, the only ways I know to adjust the travel distance (which the product literature calls the "stroke) is to use external switches to cut the 12VDC power to the actuator -OR- open the actuator casing and try to move the built-in limit switches. I have not tried the latter, so I don't know if its possible, Rather than trying to customize the actuator, I chose an actuator with the right stroke (500mm) to move my Train Elevator between the two levels of my layout. In other words, I am building my layout to fit the actuator, not the other way around. HOWEVER, the person I modeled my design from, John Warner of Picadilly Model Railways, was able to use an actuator on his N Scale railroad that has slightly too long of a stroke by mounting the actuator at an angle instead of vertical. It works just as well that way. Check out his elevator build videos to see how he did it. -- Russell
Just seen the video, it's going to be an awesome setup. Just wondering when you did the elevator side you put the longest train you'll run on the elevator to see that it will lift the extra weight ok?
Good question, Sydney. The key variable that I considered is the weight-lifting capacity of the actuator. The actuator I chose is rated for 56 lbs., which greatly exceeds by a factor of three the weight of the apparatus + the N Scale trains. My next posted video on the channel will reveal my construction process. -- Russell
Those rails won't wear out. You could lift a small car with that setup.
Yes, they're really heavy duty, fun one. I selected extra large ones following the example Elevator build featured in Picadilly Model Railways. -- Russell
Very interesting. I've though about this very idea. Just curious if you'd share the component info with links.
Thanks for your interest, Lance. Look at my replies below to Dundas Junction Model RR for links to the rails and actuator. I am going to post a follow-up video to explain the parts and how I built the Elevator, as well as other videos on my Arduino-based automatic safety control system for trains negotiating the Elevator. -- Russell
How will it connect to the other track and pass power to it? the tracks need to be connected to pass on power. Maybe I missed something.
This video does not show track electrification at all. That is coming in future videos. I decided against passing power to the Elevator track through intermittent contacts, as the contacts likely would become corroded over time. I will have separate hard-wired DCC feeders for the Elevator tracks and for the adjoining tracks. My next video will show my Arduino-based control system to automatically turn the feeders on/off and to open/close gates to prevent train accidents. -- Russell
@@BethanyBranchLine 👍
Terrific idea! I’m considering something similar to raise a “lift out” section across the entry door to the layout room. Does your linear actuator have built-in adjustable limit switches? My tentative plan would use a pair of the actuators with four heavy duty ball-bearing drawer slides mounted vertically to lift a span about 32” wide and 18” deep. My biggest concern would be speed-matching the actuators so the mechanism doesn’t bind.
Norman, my actuator's limit switches are encased and not adjustable. I have an extra one and might experiment with opening the case to see if the limit switches can be adjusted. I am guessing that two independent actuators would need some sort of governing mechanism to work in tandem and not bind. There are actuators available that lift hundreds of pounds, so maybe only one would be needed for your design. The downside is the actuator design achieves its power by gearing down, which slows its motion to a crawl. -- Russell
Norman, Chris C posted a comment above that he built an Elevator with similar tech as mine for his RR. You might want to contact him to pick his brain. -- Russell
@@BethanyBranchLine Russell, thanks for the update. My project is about access to the layout room rather than lifting trains. But I like Chris’s idea about the stepper motors. A pair of those and two lengths of coarse all-thread would work as well as pre-made actuators.
Excellent construction, you should post the parts you used for the build
Thanks, James. I did not intend a how-to, but I might do a follow-up. In the meantime, consult this RUclips video how-to from my inspiration for the train elevator -- Picadilly Model Railway of Manchester, England: ruclips.net/video/zAZo0C9GWbI/видео.html -- Russell
Russel I think I found the parts required just need more research, this is a great idea
@@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267 James, Here are my sources for the two key components, the linear rails with bearing blocks and the actuator.
Source: www.ebay.ca/itm/164823700151
Package:Set of 2 linear rails and 4 bearing blocks
Length: 600mm
Model: SBR20
Item price: US $110.10
Item ID: 164823700151
Source: www.ebay.ca/itm/204172621987
Fast Linear Actuator Motor 12V Heavy Duty
Length: 500mm (20 in)
Load capacity: 56lbs
Speed: 30mm/s
Unit price US $124.89
Item number:204172621987
I'll put together a how-to video -- Russell
Perfect thanks for the info
Wow what an ambitious track plan and project!! I have subscribed and I'm looking forward to updates.
Thanks, Anthony. I'll try to keep you informed -- Russell
Im curious if you have measured the current draw while the lifting arm is raising the track. You might be able to reduce the volume of the device by adding a counterweight to it and possibly by using dry graphite lubrication on the rails and moving parts. Nice job, very interesting and looking forward to seeing more of the layout as it progresses!
Thanks, Ed. I haven't measured the current draw. I am not concerned about the noise the actuator makes. It was the same volume before adding the load. I am new to this technology and eager to learn. There does not seem to be any friction on the rails, so I am disinclined to lubricate them in any fashion. I might change my mind with use and experience -- Russell
Linear bearings like that are generally dead quiet and come factory lubricated with enough lube that in a slow and infrequent use case like this, they will probably never need to be relubed. We have dozens if not hundreds of them at work. I think if you wanted to make it quieter, you would need to decouple the actuator from the floor. It may be acting like a sound board and causing it to be much louder than if it was in free air. Maybe a rubber paving tile or door mat. Cheap foam work mats might work but you might lose the precision of a "solid" surface like a paver.
@@lasermike2147 Those are good tips. Thanks, Lasermike -- Russell
Can you share the name of this elevator thingy and the tracks? Looks like this will be a very nice layout. Can’t wait to see a train going up and down. Nice job.
Tim, Thanks for your interest. I hope the Elevator will work. I'm new to all this. Here are my sources for the two key components, the linear rails with bearing blocks and the actuator. The lengths of each are determined by the height difference between levels. -- Russell
Source: www.ebay.ca/itm/164823700151
Package:Set of 2 linear rails and 4 bearing blocks
Length: 600mm
Model: SBR20
Item price: US $110.10
Item ID: 164823700151
Source: www.ebay.ca/itm/204172621987
Fast Linear Actuator Motor 12V Heavy Duty
Length: 500mm (20 in)
Load capacity: 56lbs
Speed: 30mm/s
Unit price US $124.89
Item number:204172621987
New sub here
Daz, Thanks for your interest -- Russell
I subscribed to your channel
Thanks, James. I appreciate your interest. More videos coming, including an Arduino-based, automatic control system for Elevator train traffic -- Russell
will need stilts to see the top layer ..., heavy duty solution.
Maybe so, Jyv Ben. The planned elevation from the floor of the Elevator track at the upper (Scenic) level is 49.1 inches. Other trackage on the Scenic Level will descend from the Elevator by as much as six inches. I am guessing that will be manageable. We'll see... -- Russell
Helixes, saves
I'm a newbie, Jorge. Based on the negative rap that helixes suffer, I decided to try an Elevator instead -- Russell
Why china? I’m pretty sure you can acquire these American made. Very cool tho.
Mike, I went with the ones I found readily on Ebay. I'm a novice. -- Russell
Weeee
Uplifting...
you will hate yourself for blocking that window. whether they are used or not, they need to be cleaned.
Your probably right, Joe. -- Russell