Staging trains off of shelves

I rather like it as it gives the illusion of a larger layout.

-Greg

It looks to me, Mike, that some, not all, of your shelving consists of storage tracks that are connected to, and part of, the layout, so your trains can run to and from some of the storage tracks.  If so, I think that is challenging to build and very cool. Arnold

Looks great Mike. Very creative to combine static display with a staging yard.

The storage shelf is a Great idea for staging as well as display. Well done!

Thanks for sharing - very cool use of space.

Charlie

Good idea!

I've always wanted to make a rotary storage system where the cars sit in a cylinder, like that on a revolver.  Pull the "trigger" and BAM!!! your train is ready to go.

A 6-shot cylinder wouldn't be that big of a diameter I don't believe and you could make it long enough to hold 6 cars in each spot for a total of 36 cars.  Of course each spot would have to be on a pivot or hanger so the cars would remain wheels down at all time.

'Could also try a "vertical staging yard":

---PCJ

Great idea, Mike!  And that is a fine looking signal bridge.

 Mike, a very neat and clever layout. One question, if there is a mishap in the tunnel from the lower level, how do you get to the train to rescue it?

 I really enjoy layouts like yours that have a lot of imagination and unusual features in them. 

Jim

LOVE IT REALLY NICE HOW THE STAGING AND DISPLAY BLEND IN AS ONE..

Thanks all for the nice comments.   The shelve staging areas is one of my favorite things on my layout.

The lower area ramp just off the shelves has access from underneath and the 4 way Ross switch has plug connectors so it can removed somewhat easily for service.

Tom, that signal bridge (along with the rest of my signals) was quite the adventure and effort over the last several years.  Thanks for noticing!

Mike