Mianne Benchwork lift-up module

Wow

It doesn't get much better than that!! or easier to operate

Without a doubt one of the coolest pieces of engineering for a layout out I have ever seen.  

Thanks for the video,

Ed

Al,

I can't recall your reply but does track power on the approach tracks cut off when the bridge is up or is that on the To Do list?

...it would REALLY be slick if you could operate the bridge from the handheld loco controls!

Matt

Matt,

Perhaps by the spring I might have the track power interrupters in place. It's such a simple chore that I need to find a way to make it more difficult for myself.

 Setting up the bridge to work off of command control could take me years and seriously set the progression of scenery back far enough so that my kids would have to finish the layout.

Charlie and Ed, thanks for the comments.

By the way, I had planed on powering the lift-up with the use of counter weights but I found an inexpensive electric winch from Harbor Freight that I mounted in the ceiling and connected via cable to the framework. What I am pushing in the video is the controller (just a temporary location).

Al, that came out very nice. It really saves on the back.

That is slick! Very well done.

Al;

I have a couple off topic questions about that benchwork.

Can you email me at the address in my profile, yours is not listed.

thanks

way cool Al..Bravo my friend!

Al,

I know that this is the greatest--but the you tube does not open on my computer.

Is there a way to access it directly?

I wish my basement had a tall enough ceiling for it!

Thanks Don, Bill and Plash.

Andy, I'll send you a direct link. Perhaps that will work although you know how it operates in person.

Mike, total lift is about 28" over the 41" table height. Add in the height of my elevated track and the total height is about 76". Headroom under the lift-up is about 63" and I do have to duck a little. I wanted it higher but I have overhead beams and plumbing above. I tried to e-mail you with your listed address in your profile but it got kicked back.

Very well done.

My favorite aspect of model railroading is the creative ways people come up with to solive a problem. I must say Al; that's awesome. It's more than the fact it works, it works so eloquently. Thank you so much for the video. 

WOW! That is fantastic!

RIK

I wish I had a basement! The things we have to give up to live in California.

Still looks great, Al...  Looks to me like it operates as well [or even smoother] than when I saw it soon after installation... 

Relative to controlling it from the CAB-1 look into using an ASC and a relay to control the 110V to the motor... Program the ASC as an accessory in the push on push off mode which energizes the 110V relay and you're up and running...

Call me if you want to discuss this or maybe next week at York!?? 

Oops! I forgot to update my email address after I changed internet providers. It's fixed now.

Matt, Jeff and Jus1more, Thanks for the comments.

Jim, I guess that would be high on the "cool factor" but really not worth the trouble, effort and expense, at least for me. See ya at York!

Just wanted to add another lift bridge to share . Great job on here guys, enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nG5qv-mUv40

Richard,

That bridge as well as  the rest of the layout is amazing.  Beautiful work!

Question about the hardware for lining up the bridge when it is closed.  It appears from the video that the bridge "locks in" when you close it.  How do you accomplish that ?

Thanks,

Ed

The perfect repeatable fit is due in part to the square dowels from Freeman Mfg.  The other part is the design & craftsmanship in the installation of the lifting mechanism..  Richard is one of the finest technicians you will ever meet.

The square tip is tapered and the base is round at point of final fit.  Makes for a secure connection.

Tom Thorpe

www.curvedbenchwork.net