The Carolina Sandhills Lines in HO Scale

[davefoxx]

Remember! Everywhere there is layout, there is storage space under layout.  Remember this, grass hopper...

Yes, sir!  I've been looking at different storage cabinets that will fit under the layout and hold rolling stock that doesn't fit on the layout.

DFF

[davefoxx]

I’d wager that in one turn back curve from the end of the current layout, pre fold down, you could get a track beneath the layout for under layout staging without too significant of a limiting radius or grade.

I agree.  The key will be how much headroom I want above the staging yard and how much room I want for access to wiring and switch machines on the bottom side of the layout above.

DFF

[eric220]

Here’s a wild idea that I’m considering for my next layout. Use a sit/stand desk mechanism as an elevator down to the staging level. I converted to a motorized sit/stand desk several months ago, and it can go up and down to a fraction of a mm without disturbing a drink, or a running Nn3 train on snap track.

[Point353]

The key will be how much headroom I want above the staging yard and how much room I want for access to wiring and switch machines on the bottom side of the layout above.

DFF

Since the staging yard will not be part of the visible/sceniced part of the layout, you could build it with Kato Unitrack.
Also, they have 24" radius curved track, plus 3 or 4 larger radii.
http://www.katousa.com/HO/Unitrack/g-single.html

[davefoxx]

Since the staging yard will not be part of the visible/sceniced part of the layout, you could build it with Kato Unitrack.
Also, they have 24" radius curved track, plus 3 or 4 larger radii.
http://www.katousa.com/HO/Unitrack/g-single.html

Unless it would become cost prohibitive, this is a genius suggestion, because of the ease of installing Kato track in lieu of track and cork roadbed under an existing layout and in a helix.

Thanks,
DFF

[davefoxx]

Here’s a wild idea that I’m considering for my next layout. Use a sit/stand desk mechanism as an elevator down to the staging level. I converted to a motorized sit/stand desk several months ago, and it can go up and down to a fraction of a mm without disturbing a drink, or a running Nn3 train on snap track.

Cool!  I like this idea.  The only reason why it may not be feasible for me, if I do build this staging yard under the layout, is because I want to send entire trains into staging.  I look forward to seeing more experimentation on your idea.

Thanks,
DFF

[Chris333]

Hmmm A helix down to the Kitty Hawk Central?   

[Steveruger45]

Cool!  I like this idea.  The only reason why it may not be feasible for me, if I do build this staging yard under the layout, is because I want to send entire trains into staging.  I look forward to seeing more experimentation on your idea.

Thanks,
DFF

Dave, I’ve also been thinking about elevators for below deck staging too.  Here is what I’ve been looking at for an elevator although I just need to see it in operation in person.

FLEXISPOT Standing Desk Converter 28 Inches Stand up Desk Riser, Height Adjustable Home Office Desk with Deep Keyboard Tray for Laptop (M7B)
by FlexiSpot
Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0762K7JJT/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_CTRANA6YA5Z5JG5TVWCM

[Scottl]

I'm planning a 15' train elevator for my next layout.  It will use the linear actuators  that are used in those desks but with Hall effect sensors and an Arduino controller to sync the movement and define stops.  There are examples of this out there although I don't know any links to share.  The duty cycle of these actuators, whether from a desk or as components is limited, so I'll have temperature sensing for the motors to lockout movements.

The moving desks are a prepackaged version and could be useful, but few have the controls to precisely position track reliably.  They are mm-scale accurate, whereas the Hall effect sensors allow c. 1/30000 inch precision (sorry for the unit mix there).

[CRL]

That's the concern.  The helix would need to be a minimum 52" diameter, as I would want a 24" minimum radius on that helix to ensure that I have no rolling stock or locomotives that couldn't negotiate it.

DFF

Looking at your space, you could probably accomplish this in N-scale, but since you’re in HO, I think you need to stick with a fiddle yard approach. If you want to turn a train, you can pivot the fiddle yard cabinet 180°

[Missaberoad]

Since we are throwing ideas at the Dave board, a staging drawer might maximize your "buy all the trains!" Space  and have the added benefit of saving on turnout cost...

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http://modelingthesp.blogspot.com/2021/07/reprise-my-staging-table.html

http://johnsignor.com/modelrr/wiring.php

[eric220]

Cool!  I like this idea.  The only reason why it may not be feasible for me, if I do build this staging yard under the layout, is because I want to send entire trains into staging.  I look forward to seeing more experimentation on your idea.

Thanks,
DFF

My idea for my layout is to use it instead of a helix, so whole trains are a must. If you build the tracks on the elevator in a P shape, the trains enter and exit from the same side, and you get twice the length of the base (easily 4’, or 8’ out and back). to combine the ideas, you could then hinge the loop to fold down for storage.

[davefoxx]

1967:



DFF

[Point353]

1967:



DFF

Is the paint dry on that SCL pulpwood flatcar?

[PiperguyUMD]

Love those Baldwins. Wish someone would make it happen in N scale!