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Back on 3-15-03, I posted a topic in which I described an N scale layout from a basement garage ceiling and received no replies. This kind of surprised me, since it seems like such an elegant solution to the problem of finding space. I used it for about four years and liked so well that I am now building a 7' X 22' layout in my new house, using the same technique. If you don't have room to build or expand, look up! You can wire it without bending over or crawling under the benchwork, and can make it the perfect height for viewing by an adult, a child, or someone wheel-chair bound.
Posts: 37 | Registered: Oct 2002
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The idea of a suspended layout is indeed an elegent solution for the space problem, However, I find the pratical advantage to having it suspended and raising up and down, is not worth the engineering headach required to make sure than when it is finally suspended that it doesnt fall out of its moorings.
James.
Posts: 315 | From: Lander,WY USA | Registered: Jan 2002
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Would it be suspended while being used or have a set of retractable/removeable leg's? I can see where the shift in ceter of gravity as the train moves around,would cause the layout to swing like a pendulum. I knew a modeler in germany that had an N scale layout that was built into a closet.It was hinged in the center and when folded it stood vertical 4'X 3'.Un folded it was a very nice 3' X 8' layout.
How are you attaching it to the ceiling? A 7' x 22' layout may get a bit heavy.
MM
Posts: 38 | From: Medicine Hat Alberta Canada | Registered: Dec 2003
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It works great if you: 1.Make the layout of mostly foam, with lightweight wood framework and metal crossbars(I used common "hat-style" posts, like on stop signs.) 2.Use standard garage door hardware, pulleys, cable, etc. These attach to good,strong screweyes, set into the ceiling joists. 3. Splay the cables outward at the top about 6 inches from the vertical. This eliminates sway. Remember, this is N scale and the trains do not mass too much. Actually, there's no reason the layout couldn't ride up and down on a vertical guide or two, if it's near a wall. 4.Gather all the cables together after running them through pulleys. Clamp 'em together and cut off all but one master cable, which runs across the ceiling past a boat winch to a pulley and then down to a counterweight only slightly lighter than the entire layout.(I used a short piece of rail from the Little Kanahwa & Ohio Division of the B & O). A shorter piece of cable connects the master cable and the winch. The system is almost in balance, so very little effort is required to raise and lower the layout. I could put my first layout up against the ceiling or on the floor, at a whim. 6. For safety's sake, when the layout isn't in use, I run it up all the way and use a safety strap made of cable with loops on each end, which fit over screwhooks. There are a lot of possibilities: It could have a finished, but removable, underside, possibly with recessed lighting. (I never tried this---heat buidup?) It wouldn't take much ($150) to attach a garage door opener in place of the winch and be the envy of the model railroading world, as your layout gently descends from its hidden location to whatever height your heart desires.
Posts: 37 | Registered: Oct 2002
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Another thought, or two: I like the idea of removable or folding legs.(But I love the flexibility of instant height adjustment.) Also, at times I would lower my first layout to the floor, then set a plank across it, supported on each end. Then I would lay on my stomach and scenick hard-to-reach places.
Posts: 37 | Registered: Oct 2002
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