This is amazing! First what a great idea, executed so well. Then tremendous sketch-up work which I can only dream of doing. Then, not a simple voiceover but you appearing in a window on screen. Very well scripted. Not a second of wasted time and the early limbo joke to lighten the mood. The alignment idea alone is brilliant. This video is a triumph. I’ll be watching again because I know I missed things. Bravo!
Wow Bob, can't thank you enough for your kind review! So glad you enjoyed the video! I like including the sketchup drawings as it makes it much easier to visualize when you can look at it in 3D space. I couldn't be happier with the way the gate functions - the alignment pins are working like a charm. Again, thanks so much for watching and your thoughtful review! I appreciate your support buddy! Best, John
Thanks Dwight, glad you enjoyed it. I know, it had been too long - finally my schedule is getting back to normal. Appreciate you watching. Take care. Best, John
I didn't mean to make you do that JD (lol)! Thanks for watching and your kind words. So glad you got something useful from it. Appreciate ya! Best, John
Thanks so much Derek! I'm really glad this thought occurred to me - it's been working out very well! I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment. Best, John
Hey Norman! Thanks for the kind words. It was a fun project once I decided on this method, and I couldn't be happier with it. I appreciate you! Take care. Best, John
Hi john, Great idea. It could be a new idea for the Masses. Love it. O nice commenting on Sparkys live ride. Im still wide awake..... 01:04..... : ( ha. Cheers Grant.
Now my head won't fit through the door Anthony! LOL. Thanks so much for your kind and humbling comment. Appreciate you watching and glad you got something useful from it. Best, John
Thanks Claude, that means a lot! Especially in this hobby, sometimes to squeeze in what you want, you can't be afraid to try a different approach. I'm real happy with the way this one turned out. Appreciate your support! Best, John
Hey Johnny! Thanks man, I appreciate ya! I enjoy coming up with uncommon solutions - I had fun with this one. Haven't seen a video from you in a while. Take care. Best, John
Wow! Awsome idea! I have two sets on mainlines spanning my lift section. One set is going to elevated and I didn't know how I can do a lift off, swing, or hinged. Your idea is the solution! Thanks!!!
John , this the best idea I have seen so far, be cause of space I need to a around room type layout, I just need to a fancy drawer for my lift out/up device, now think about a powered TV lift , excellent job , thanks fir the idea
Thank you James! So glad you got something useful from it. The powered lift is an excellent idea - I never considered that. Thanks for watching and your kind comments. Best, John
I was watching Heaths ( Human[c]ity Junction) first live stream today and he mentioned your channel so I thought I would come and check it out. Nice work there with the gate, very ingenious. Cheers John
As we all have seen many a lift out, hinge ups, and door swings, I think you found the solution, that I for see being on everyone's layout in the future. Great job and great thinking, keep up the great work and ideas.
Thanks so much for your kind words! I really couldn't be happier with this design - it functions better than I had hoped. I appreciate your support. Best, John
Thanks so much Wil, I appreciate the kind words buddy! So far, it's proving to be the best decision I've made for this layout. Thanks for watching. Best, John
Excellent bit of engineering there John. One other feature I noticed is that the drawer sides, when the gate is up, will prevent any errant high-balling trains from crashing into the abyss. If the surface-to-surface contact of the copper tape proves unreliable, it appears there is plenty of meat to replace one half with a spring-plunger contact pin. Thanks for sharing your design process with us, it made for a very interesting video. Art...
Thanks Art! Yeah that is a nice added bonus, but the bridge track and about a foot or so on either side are a separate block. At some point I'll add a contact switch to kill the power to the block when the gate is raised. Thanks for the suggestion of the spring-plunger, but I purposely left plenty to work with in case the copper pads don't pan out. So far, they are working well but we'll see. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for your kind words. I appreciate your support. Best, John
I bought a case of 18 inch drawer slides like you have. I make a lot of furniture for the grand children and great grand children. I have been thinking for a time about a glide up gate, and you have just convinced me to do it. Thanks so much...
Thanks Randy! I have no regrets building this, it's been working out so well. I love not having to duck under the layout every time I go in and out. I think you'd be just as pleased.
Thanks so much Nathan. I'm really pleased with how well it works - couldn't have asked for anything better. I appreciate you watching & commenting. Take care buddy. Best, John
Great idea. I had a duck under in my old layout room and it was a bit of a pain. So in my new layout room I altered the track plan to have loops so I can walk in. I’m not the happiest with how this has changed the plan so a slide up like this could be a great option. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much Mark! I've always believed there was a better mousetrap. Seriously, I'm really pleased with the way this is working. It's pretty easy to build but brings lots of convenience. Thanks for your support. Appreciate ya! Best, John
Thanks so much John. Funny that you mention MTH, a good friend of mine suggested the same thing. I may just do it. Appreciate the support buddy! Best, Other John
Brilliant! This is similar to the idea I came up with, But I'm going to be building yours instead. With some very slight modificato fit my doorway. Thanks for the video., And unlike most, Thanks for explaining everything in under ten minutes. I find some youtube's take forty five minutes To explain a 5 minute build.😂
Thanks Ken! A nice thing about this is its easy to modify to fit your needs. I'm very happy with it - it works well. And, I'm with ya - I see no need it dragging out an explanation. I appreciate you watching and your comment. Best, John
I always felt this type of operation for walk under would be best. I also thought that of done right you could model and actual lift bridge here. At least you are putting in a bridge where the bridge is. Great inspiration John. Thank you for sharing.
That’s crazy that this video came up. For the last few days I’ve been trying to think of a way to add a second deck. I don’t have room for a helix, thought about a long grade but lots off wasted track. Then it popped into my head, a lift.... I was thinking like a bottle jack. This is awesome.... I be leave my second deck is in sight.... Thanks for this great idea
John that's a great idea and slick piece of engineering to boot. I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do on my next layout but this definitely has to be in the mix now. The only thing I won't do is drop down, definitely not a fail-safe system. I would have nightmares about it giving out under all of my favorite cars and locos. I'm looking forward to seeing how that viaduct progresses, -Charlie
Thanks Charlie, glad you got something useful from it! I'm glad I went with this design - it's working out really well (so far, at least. LOL). I'm with you, a drop-down is a little scary. I'll have more on the viaduct coming up. I have a good bit of footage shot, just need the time to put it together. Appreciate your support! Best, John
John, really great design. One thought on the contacts for the track feeders. Instead of just copper tape, why not add spring loaded pogo pins. This will ensure that you have a good connection between your gate and the fixed section. Really great design, the operation of the gate worked really well.
Thanks so much Heath! I took a similar approach with the copper tape on my last layout. It was for a bridge that had to be removable to reach trackage on the other side. I had no issues with it then, so I decided to use it here. I am aware that this is a much bigger project and the copper tape may not work as well over the long-haul. So, I intentionally allowed plenty of room to retro-fit spring loaded pins if the copper tape fails. We'll see. Thanks for watching, your valuable suggestion and your kind comments. Appreciate the support! Best, John
That sketch up stuff looks great! You make that look so easy and it is NOT! That gate glided perfectly. A very innovative design and the way you showed the model, it can be made by many. Very good description of what was required before and during and it looked to me like the thing works perfectly. I'm ready to see a train run across there of course, but the way that think locked in, I have no doubt. A very strong "How To". I feel like many will use it to come! Brian
Thanks Brian! I like including the sketch-up drawings - it's so much easier to visualize something when you can see it in 3D space. So glad you enjoyed it and even happier that I "made it look easy". I'm very happy with the way it functions; it's made a huge difference getting in and out of the layout. I'm looking forward to seeing trains run across it too, I assure you. Thanks for your support brother, and your kind comments! Appreciate ya. Best, John
Great use of the drawer slides John. Love your solution. The straight up and down movement warrants a flawless operation. Also, the area of the lift up bridge can indeed be fully modeled and when back in place be fully incorporated into the layout. This with a similar width fascia, or even a continuous backdrop. Thanks for sharing!!
Wow John that is an awesome idea, really fantastic, you should get a patent on it my friend, as you were showing the drawing I was wondering about power connection to the tracks you nailed that too truly an outstanding piece of work genius my friend
Wow Digger, thanks for the very humbling comments! Several people have suggested I get a patent, if it weren't so expensive and time / labor intensive I might consider it. So I guess I'll be content sharing it with my youtube friends. I really appreciate your kind words my friend - gave me a bigger head than normal! Take care. Best, John
John, what an interesting approach to the situation. I cannot say I have seen this anywhere else. The way you supplied the power is very clever. Thanks so much for all of the graphic work so that we can see the inner workings of the design. Fantastic work. Cheers Rob
Hi John. Great solution and build. I have installed a similar unit and I motorised it by adding a small Kingchrome electric lifting hoist and small sailing pulleys attached to the fixed base board rails and the lift gate rails.Regards Ken.
You just solved my problem which was the same as you had. But now I am going 1 step further & am adding an electric lift mechanism to move the gate. Thanks for a great solution to my delema.....Dennis
I wonder how it would work with a double deck 🤔???. I amagine it would if there is enough clearance 🤔. I'm definitely interested in your design. Thanks, Chris
Thanks Chris! Yeah, I'm sure it would work with a double deck. The glides are rated at 100lbs - much more than is needed even for a double-deck gate. The 24" glides I used have a fully-extended length of 48". I could have easily made it so I wouldn't even have to duck my head. But I didn't plan on this from the beginning and my overhead valance got in the way of raising the gate any further. Unfortunately, at that spot, the supports for the valance are tied into the benchwork and I didn't want to rip it all apart. So the head duck was an acceptable compromise. Glad you liked the video and got something from it. Stay tuned, I may do a follow-up video on it. Thanks for watching. Best, John
Just saw your video, my goodness after having the same issue for the last 8 yrs getting older..lol. so will adopt your idea, thanks mate. Well presented, and got on with it, love it regards from Australia.
I'm not sure how I haven't sub to you earlier. Excellent video. I wish I could have found a video this good when I was making my lift/hinged section. I think I'll go back and add the table pins, what a great idea to register the track.
@Mark Arnold, If by some chance you cannot find long enough slider, which I believe would be available, you could make the sides two stages, or basically two sliders stacked on top of each other.
Hi Mark. I got the slides at a Big Box Consumer-based home center in the area. They aren't known for the widest selection, just the most popular with consumers. The slides I got are 24" with a fully-extended length of 48". I could easily have positioned the sliders so I wouldn't even have to duck my head. Unfortunately, I didn't plan on this from the start and my overhead valance stuck out a bit too far. It would have been too much to tear it down and rebuild it due to the supports. So I settled on less of an extension (and the small head duck). I never considered the benefits for those confined to wheelchairs but I agree - it could open some doors (no pun intended) for them. Thanks so much for watching and your thoughtful question. Best, John
You get an A+ for that, John. I thought about doing that but ran into too many problems and just made a swing gate. Your design is simple and reliable. Many will want to copy your design. Congrats for a job well done.
I’ve been watching a few videos on how to tackle this problem as I also am planning an around the room layout. The problem is I plan to have 4 tracks traverse the door way, all at different levels and 2 are also gradients. Your solution is a real find as I can make just one “glide-up” and the job will be done! So thanks.
This is truly a cool idea. Anything is better than bashing ones head against the layout frame because you’ve misjudged the distance of the framework. I’ve actually been hospitalised from trying to go in and out of my Dad’s train room. 🥺 He’s always had round-the-Room layouts. He’s also getting on in years and can’t get under his own layout design much anymore.
Very nice solution. I need to bridge a door on three levels and I think I can use this on at least 2 levels. Interesting locking technique, can see me use it in other ways, like this hand operated staging elevator I'm thinking about.
what made you come up with this style of lift up glide up gate? I have never seen such a unique style. very cool and very smart. one question, is one slider per side strong enough, just incase someone bumps it< so it will not bend?
Hi sparky. I really didn't like the typical alternative methods and hadn't come up with a good solution. So I just mulled it over in the back of my mind. I put this off till I had no choice and it really was just a "lightbulb" moment. The sliders are heavy duty, stainless steel with full roller bearings. They are rated at 100lbs, so they are certainly more than capable of handling the gate. As far as withstanding lateral stress, I ... um ... conducted tests - of course, they were planned and controlled (you believe me, right? lol). I can assure you that they stand up to some serious bumps. Thanks for your kind words and, as always, your support. I appreciate ya. Best, John
JUST IN TIME... john i need this... Can you send me a link to the sliders you got, also lets talk about the handles and finger tabs cause i will need those too.
That’s what I call out of the box thinking, well done on an extremely practical and novel solution and so pleased to see it working so well for you. You have certainly addressed all the operating issues too. I had a similar problem, traditional bridging methods just did not fit nor would work - so realised a slide in bridge would. Because my layout is on legs ( a big table 19’ L x 10 to 12’ W x 43” H) when inserting it wedges (just a couple of mm) the layout between the walls (foam pads used to cushion) so whole layout is rigid without having to screw to the walls. Unfortunately I have to store that part when removed, unlike yours! Best regards Stephen
That seems to crying out for automation. I’m thinking a matched pair of linear actuators, one in each support tower. Presto, push button operation for those times when your hands are full of new trains and scenery material. Although the current state of my health is likely to keep me from ever building it, I planned something like this, including your drawer slides. The room I had available is 10.5’ x 8.5’, with the entry door centered on a long wall. Since the table depth across the door opening would be about 20”, I figured on 4 slides. I got as far as rehanging the door to open outward before things started their downhill slide. Glad to see a validation of my vision, even if the NC&StL/L&N Centerville Branch never gets beyond the blueprint stage.
That is one heck of an idea!!!! I like it! My old layout had a swing bridge which worked well. If I still had that layout, I would do this! One question though John, are the trains going to stop before they get to the bridge? Or do you have a way to keep them from hitting the floor if the bridge is up?
Thanks so much Ray! The tracks over the gate and for about a foot or so on either side are on a separate block. I haven't completed the wiring in that area yet, but I will be installing a contact switch to kill the power to that block when the gate is raised (I'll be doing a video on that when I get to it.) But there's also a fail-safe. The sides of the "drawer" completely block the tracks heading towards the gate. So, worst case, the train would run into the drawer sides before plunging over the edge. Naturally, I'd like to avoid that, but it's nice as a backup. Appreciate you watching and your thoughtful question. Best, John
I had always wondered whether something like that would work because my entry to the room will also be a trapezoid. This helps eliminate some of the paralysis. Although my knees and back still won't attempt the limbo.
Thank you so much for this! My layout was sitting around for well over a year as I tried to determine what was the best way to build an entrance to it. This solved my problem perfectly. I'm not too savvy when it comes to making printed parts. Any chance you could put up the 3D finger tabs and handles .stl file on a share site like thingiverse?
So is this something you think could be adapted to a very large piece of plywood? An older gentleman friend of mine has a very large layout that we're going through and fixing a bunch of track and wiring mistakes from the previous crew and he hasn't slot car track over a section of his layout, it's 4 by 8 ft. Do you think I could take your drawer slides and tabs and have them on the outside of the fascia and then use a piano hinge on the back of the plywood? Because of the way the yard / staging tracks are laid out underneath the slot car track the only access is to lift up the slot car track.
John, how long of a drawer slide did you purchase and how high does the size to lift? I am in the process of building an access to my utility area which is behind my full basement layout. Up to now we have crawled under. But we have Culligan install a system for our well water and I want them to be able to service the equipment without having to crawl under and I am almost 83 and crawling is no longer any fun. Thanks for the video. Will join you group.
Good Job. I also had to use a bridge cause the room I built my layout was fairly small. However I used a tilt up bridge coupled with a linear actuator. Check out my video Model RailRoad Bridge Episode 2
![เจ็บที่ยังฮัก - ม่อน วรวิทย์ [ Official Mv ] จอนนี่มิวสิค](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/KALIGSRSjFs/mqdefault.jpg)
This is amazing! First what a great idea, executed so well. Then tremendous sketch-up work which I can only dream of doing. Then, not a simple voiceover but you appearing in a window on screen. Very well scripted. Not a second of wasted time and the early limbo joke to lighten the mood. The alignment idea alone is brilliant. This video is a triumph. I’ll be watching again because I know I missed things. Bravo!
Wow Bob, can't thank you enough for your kind review! So glad you enjoyed the video! I like including the sketchup drawings as it makes it much easier to visualize when you can look at it in 3D space. I couldn't be happier with the way the gate functions - the alignment pins are working like a charm. Again, thanks so much for watching and your thoughtful review! I appreciate your support buddy! Best, John
awesome video good to see a video from you
Thanks Dwight, glad you enjoyed it. I know, it had been too long - finally my schedule is getting back to normal. Appreciate you watching. Take care. Best, John
Cool design, John! I might have to steal that design from you!
Another great idea.
Thanks much Robert! I really appreciate you watching & commenting. Take care. Best, John
Thats awesome....great idea....well done
Thanks Duane! I certainly appreciate your support and comments buddy! Take care, stay healthy. Best, John
Wow John what an awesome design. Now you’ve got me thinking.
I didn't mean to make you do that JD (lol)! Thanks for watching and your kind words. So glad you got something useful from it. Appreciate ya! Best, John
Genius idea John!
Thanks Jason! I couldn't be happier with the way it turned out. Appreciate your support. Best, John
Interesting solution.
Thanks Miles Jct! I appreciate you watching & your comments. Take care. Best, John
Necessity the Mother of invention. Very well thought out solution. Well done Sir.
Another brilliant idea.
🇮🇪🇪🇺 Retired Irish rail modeler.
Thanks so much Derek! I'm really glad this thought occurred to me - it's been working out very well! I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment. Best, John
Hi ya John. Very ingenious. Thanks.
Hey Norman! Thanks for the kind words. It was a fun project once I decided on this method, and I couldn't be happier with it. I appreciate you! Take care. Best, John
Hi john, Great idea. It could be a new idea for the Masses. Love it. O nice commenting on Sparkys live ride. Im still wide awake..... 01:04..... : ( ha. Cheers Grant.
Just saw this in my feed. I love the pose at the end such a serious pose😂.
This is a very good idea!!
Hey Muse! Thanks for watching & your kind comment. It's great to see you! Hope you've been well. Best, John
Excellent idea John, well done! I'm with Sparky on the xtra, and also agree with Art.,and James.
Thanks so much Jeff! I'm real pleased with how well this is working. Appreciate your support. Best, John
Great idea. Thanks for sharing
Very neat John,excellent solution
Thanks Dave! I couldn't be happier with the way it turned out - so much more convenient than other options. Best, John
This adds many possibilities for the cassette tracks also...
Awesome idea John it looks great fantastic work 👍 thanks for sharing stay safe and keep HIGHBALLING HOGGER 😎👉
Thanks so much Dale! Glad you enjoyed it. I really appreciate your high praise, thanks my friend. Best, John
Showing off your genius 😊...great design John...maybe my next layout
Now my head won't fit through the door Anthony! LOL. Thanks so much for your kind and humbling comment. Appreciate you watching and glad you got something useful from it. Best, John
Wow, John, nice work! It’s great to see how different needs can be met! ...Claude
Thanks Claude, that means a lot! Especially in this hobby, sometimes to squeeze in what you want, you can't be afraid to try a different approach. I'm real happy with the way this one turned out. Appreciate your support! Best, John
I freaking love this Johnny!!!!!! New and different!
Hey Johnny! Thanks man, I appreciate ya! I enjoy coming up with uncommon solutions - I had fun with this one. Haven't seen a video from you in a while. Take care. Best, John
Wow! Awsome idea! I have two sets on mainlines spanning my lift section. One set is going to elevated and I didn't know how I can do a lift off, swing, or hinged. Your idea is the solution! Thanks!!!
John , this the best idea I have seen so far, be cause of space I need to a around room type layout, I just need to a fancy drawer for my lift out/up device, now think about a powered TV lift , excellent job , thanks fir the idea
Thank you James! So glad you got something useful from it. The powered lift is an excellent idea - I never considered that. Thanks for watching and your kind comments. Best, John
I was watching Heaths (
Human[c]ity Junction) first live stream today and he mentioned your channel so I thought I would come and check it out. Nice work there with the gate, very ingenious. Cheers John
A solution for every problem! Nice going outside the box, John.
Thanks Melvin - I enjoy thinking outside the box! Glad you liked the video, I appreciate your support. Best, John
As we all have seen many a lift out, hinge ups, and door swings, I think you found the solution, that I for see being on everyone's layout in the future. Great job and great thinking, keep up the great work and ideas.
Thanks so much for your kind words! I really couldn't be happier with this design - it functions better than I had hoped. I appreciate your support. Best, John
Awesome John, great idea!
Thanks Marty! I appreciate ya! Hope all is well. Take care. Best, John
John buddy that is frickin' awesome. That is the best idea for a gate I've seen in a long time. Wow I'm very impressed with that.
Stay well. -Wil 👍
Thanks so much Wil, I appreciate the kind words buddy! So far, it's proving to be the best decision I've made for this layout. Thanks for watching. Best, John
Great idea and looks really cool. Well done - Kevin
Thanks a lot Kevin! I'm thrilled with how well it works. Appreciate you watching and your comment. Best, John
Excellent bit of engineering there John. One other feature I noticed is that the drawer sides, when the gate is up, will prevent any errant high-balling trains from crashing into the abyss. If the surface-to-surface contact of the copper tape proves unreliable, it appears there is plenty of meat to replace one half with a spring-plunger contact pin. Thanks for sharing your design process with us, it made for a very interesting video. Art...
Thanks Art! Yeah that is a nice added bonus, but the bridge track and about a foot or so on either side are a separate block. At some point I'll add a contact switch to kill the power to the block when the gate is raised. Thanks for the suggestion of the spring-plunger, but I purposely left plenty to work with in case the copper pads don't pan out. So far, they are working well but we'll see. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for your kind words. I appreciate your support. Best, John
I bought a case of 18 inch drawer slides like you have. I make a lot of furniture for the grand children and great grand children. I have been thinking for a time about a glide up gate, and you have just convinced me to do it. Thanks so much...
Great idea (UK)
Great idea John...may have to copy your idea as my new train room will need to have a solution to not have to duck under a bridge. Randy
Thanks Randy! I have no regrets building this, it's been working out so well. I love not having to duck under the layout every time I go in and out. I think you'd be just as pleased.
Wow awesome John it’s even more awesome that the lift out section does function perfectly and Have an awesome day
Thanks so much Nathan. I'm really pleased with how well it works - couldn't have asked for anything better. I appreciate you watching & commenting. Take care buddy. Best, John
Great idea. I had a duck under in my old layout room and it was a bit of a pain. So in my new layout room I altered the track plan to have loops so I can walk in. I’m not the happiest with how this has changed the plan so a slide up like this could be a great option. Thanks for sharing.
Genius! I love it John. Well done. I would love one of those. I thought I’ve seen every kind of “liftout/duck under” but apparently not!
Thanks so much Mark! I've always believed there was a better mousetrap. Seriously, I'm really pleased with the way this is working. It's pretty easy to build but brings lots of convenience. Thanks for your support. Appreciate ya! Best, John
John, Your design looks really nice and functional. Great job. You ought to share this design on the MRH magazine blogs....John
Thanks so much John. Funny that you mention MTH, a good friend of mine suggested the same thing. I may just do it. Appreciate the support buddy! Best, Other John
Brilliant! This is similar to the idea I came up with, But I'm going to be building yours instead. With some very slight modificato fit my doorway. Thanks for the video., And unlike most, Thanks for explaining everything in under ten minutes. I find some youtube's take forty five minutes To explain a 5 minute build.😂
Thanks Ken! A nice thing about this is its easy to modify to fit your needs. I'm very happy with it - it works well. And, I'm with ya - I see no need it dragging out an explanation. I appreciate you watching and your comment. Best, John
I always felt this type of operation for walk under would be best. I also thought that of done right you could model and actual lift bridge here. At least you are putting in a bridge where the bridge is. Great inspiration John. Thank you for sharing.
That’s crazy that this video came up. For the last few days I’ve been trying to think of a way to add a second deck. I don’t have room for a helix, thought about a long grade but lots off wasted track. Then it popped into my head, a lift.... I was thinking like a bottle jack. This is awesome.... I be leave my second deck is in sight.... Thanks for this great idea
Hi John , this is my third time watching this video, it is a great idea, I am looking into, swing, lift up or drop down, very impressive
Thanks James. I highly recommend this design. It's working well for me and saves crawling under the layout.
FANTASTIC bit of engineering John. excellent idea
Thanks so much Joe! I'm real pleased with the outcome. Appreciate your support! Best, John
Nice gate. I have. A friend looking for ideas so ill share with him.
John that's a great idea and slick piece of engineering to boot. I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do on my next layout but this definitely has to be in the mix now.
The only thing I won't do is drop down, definitely not a fail-safe system. I would have nightmares about it giving out under all of my favorite cars and locos.
I'm looking forward to seeing how that viaduct progresses,
-Charlie
Thanks Charlie, glad you got something useful from it! I'm glad I went with this design - it's working out really well (so far, at least. LOL). I'm with you, a drop-down is a little scary. I'll have more on the viaduct coming up. I have a good bit of footage shot, just need the time to put it together. Appreciate your support! Best, John
Awesome idea and nicely executed my friend. The handle and lock tab is really cool. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks buddy! Coming from you that means a lot. Appreciate you watching and your support. Take care. Best, John
That’s an awesome idea John. Great video and very informative.
Thanks Steve! Glad you enjoyed it. The glide-up gate is working better than I had hope. Appreciate you watching & your comment. Best, John
John, really great design. One thought on the contacts for the track feeders. Instead of just copper tape, why not add spring loaded pogo pins. This will ensure that you have a good connection between your gate and the fixed section.
Really great design, the operation of the gate worked really well.
Thanks so much Heath! I took a similar approach with the copper tape on my last layout. It was for a bridge that had to be removable to reach trackage on the other side. I had no issues with it then, so I decided to use it here. I am aware that this is a much bigger project and the copper tape may not work as well over the long-haul. So, I intentionally allowed plenty of room to retro-fit spring loaded pins if the copper tape fails. We'll see. Thanks for watching, your valuable suggestion and your kind comments. Appreciate the support! Best, John
Truly amazing piece of engineering. Fantastic idea. Thanks for sharing. Dave
Thanks Dave! I really appreciate your support and very kind comments. Thanks for watching. Best, John
Wow, John! What a great idea! I really like it. I might even consider doing something like this on my layout. ...Roy
That sketch up stuff looks great! You make that look so easy and it is NOT! That gate glided perfectly. A very innovative design and the way you showed the model, it can be made by many. Very good description of what was required before and during and it looked to me like the thing works perfectly. I'm ready to see a train run across there of course, but the way that think locked in, I have no doubt. A very strong "How To". I feel like many will use it to come! Brian
Thanks Brian! I like including the sketch-up drawings - it's so much easier to visualize something when you can see it in 3D space. So glad you enjoyed it and even happier that I "made it look easy". I'm very happy with the way it functions; it's made a huge difference getting in and out of the layout. I'm looking forward to seeing trains run across it too, I assure you. Thanks for your support brother, and your kind comments! Appreciate ya. Best, John
That's something you don't see every day...nice innovation
Great use of the drawer slides John. Love your solution. The straight up and down movement warrants a flawless operation. Also, the area of the lift up bridge can indeed be fully modeled and when back in place be fully incorporated into the layout. This with a similar width fascia, or even a continuous backdrop. Thanks for sharing!!
Wow John that is an awesome idea, really fantastic, you should get a patent on it my friend, as you were showing the drawing I was wondering about power connection to the tracks you nailed that too truly an outstanding piece of work genius my friend
Wow Digger, thanks for the very humbling comments! Several people have suggested I get a patent, if it weren't so expensive and time / labor intensive I might consider it. So I guess I'll be content sharing it with my youtube friends. I really appreciate your kind words my friend - gave me a bigger head than normal! Take care. Best, John
@@SchuylkillRiverValley my pleasure I truly am sincere this is a work of genius
@@DiggerEvans I know you are buddy, and I appreciate you!
Thats pretty cool, I never seen anything like it. It looks like it works great
Best idea ever. This will make life easier for all us older citizens, just love it.
John, what an interesting approach to the situation. I cannot say I have seen this anywhere else. The way you supplied the power is very clever. Thanks so much for all of the graphic work so that we can see the inner workings of the design. Fantastic work. Cheers Rob
Thanks so much Rob! I like including the 3d graphics - makes it so much clearer to visualize in 3d space. Appreciate your support! Best, John
Wow.. Freakin Genius.. John..great idea.. thanks for sharing and keep up the great work.. Lance
Thanks so much Lance! I appreciate you watching and the kind comments. Glad you enjoyed the video. Best, John
That bridge gate is outstanding John.
Nice idea well executed. Inspired to use it on the layout that I am building. Well done 🚂🙂
What an idea, just so crazy it might work lol. Looks good John. You gotta love it when a plan comes together.
Hi John. Great solution and build. I have installed a similar unit and I motorised it by adding a small Kingchrome electric lifting hoist and small sailing pulleys attached to the fixed base board rails and the lift gate rails.Regards Ken.
I dont know why I'm just now seeing this but this is awesome! Its just what I need to get motivated again. Thanks, John.
Pretty awesome design/ idea, John. Very cool. Thanks for sharing.
You just solved my problem which was the same as you had. But now I am going 1 step further & am adding an electric lift mechanism to move the gate. Thanks for a great solution to my delema.....Dennis
I wonder how it would work with a double deck 🤔???. I amagine it would if there is enough clearance 🤔. I'm definitely interested in your design. Thanks, Chris
Thanks Chris! Yeah, I'm sure it would work with a double deck. The glides are rated at 100lbs - much more than is needed even for a double-deck gate. The 24" glides I used have a fully-extended length of 48". I could have easily made it so I wouldn't even have to duck my head. But I didn't plan on this from the beginning and my overhead valance got in the way of raising the gate any further. Unfortunately, at that spot, the supports for the valance are tied into the benchwork and I didn't want to rip it all apart. So the head duck was an acceptable compromise. Glad you liked the video and got something from it. Stay tuned, I may do a follow-up video on it. Thanks for watching. Best, John
Thank you for the info, Chris
Just saw your video, my goodness after having the same issue for the last 8 yrs getting older..lol. so will adopt your idea, thanks mate. Well presented, and got on with it, love it regards from Australia.
I'm not sure how I haven't sub to you earlier. Excellent video. I wish I could have found a video this good when I was making my lift/hinged section. I think I'll go back and add the table pins, what a great idea to register the track.
Do you happen to know what the longest glider size that's available is please John? I think this has great potential for modeller's in wheelchairs 👍👍👍
@Mark Arnold, If by some chance you cannot find long enough slider, which I believe would be available, you could make the sides two stages, or basically two sliders stacked on top of each other.
@@HumancityJunction Thanks Heath 👍
Hi Mark. I got the slides at a Big Box Consumer-based home center in the area. They aren't known for the widest selection, just the most popular with consumers. The slides I got are 24" with a fully-extended length of 48". I could easily have positioned the sliders so I wouldn't even have to duck my head. Unfortunately, I didn't plan on this from the start and my overhead valance stuck out a bit too far. It would have been too much to tear it down and rebuild it due to the supports. So I settled on less of an extension (and the small head duck). I never considered the benefits for those confined to wheelchairs but I agree - it could open some doors (no pun intended) for them. Thanks so much for watching and your thoughtful question. Best, John
Love that glide up, I am 6’9” and go about 320lbs, I am gonna give it a try, thanks for a great idea!
You get an A+ for that, John. I thought about doing that but ran into too many problems and just made a swing gate. Your design is simple and reliable. Many will want to copy your design. Congrats for a job well done.
Thanks Jim! I'm real happy with the gate - it's working well. Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner - somehow I missed you comment.
Great idea John and good to see how easy it was working. Layout looked cool also and coming on well. Take care Kevin
I’ve been watching a few videos on how to tackle this problem as I also am planning an around the room layout. The problem is I plan to have 4 tracks traverse the door way, all at different levels and 2 are also gradients. Your solution is a real find as I can make just one “glide-up” and the job will be done! So thanks.
This is truly a cool idea.
Anything is better than bashing ones head against the layout frame because you’ve misjudged the distance of the framework.
I’ve actually been hospitalised from trying to go in and out of my Dad’s train room. 🥺 He’s always had round-the-Room layouts. He’s also getting on in years and can’t get under his own layout design much anymore.
Round -the-room is the best design possible. Mine is now 30 years old. I have never hit my head. Just keep going a little further until you are clear.
Very nice solution. I need to bridge a door on three levels and I think I can use this on at least 2 levels.
Interesting locking technique, can see me use it in other ways, like this hand operated staging elevator I'm thinking about.
well engineered John... nice work
Nicely done.
what made you come up with this style of lift up glide up gate? I have never seen such a unique style. very cool and very smart.
one question, is one slider per side strong enough, just incase someone bumps it< so it will not bend?
@spark107107, I would like to see you implement this idea with stops at each level of your layout.
Hi sparky. I really didn't like the typical alternative methods and hadn't come up with a good solution. So I just mulled it over in the back of my mind. I put this off till I had no choice and it really was just a "lightbulb" moment. The sliders are heavy duty, stainless steel with full roller bearings. They are rated at 100lbs, so they are certainly more than capable of handling the gate. As far as withstanding lateral stress, I ... um ... conducted tests - of course, they were planned and controlled (you believe me, right? lol). I can assure you that they stand up to some serious bumps. Thanks for your kind words and, as always, your support. I appreciate ya. Best, John
Very very good!
JUST IN TIME... john i need this... Can you send me a link to the sliders you got, also lets talk about the handles and finger tabs cause i will need those too.
Thanks Rick, I'm glad you found it useful! I already emailed you, any questions let me know. I appreciate you watching & commenting. Best, John
Hi John, it’s been over a year and this video was suggested again and I was curious how the glide up is holding up?
Sorry for the delay Derek, I never got a notification of your comment and just saw it. The gate is working well - best idea I've had so far.
That’s what I call out of the box thinking, well done on an extremely practical and novel solution and so pleased to see it working so well for you. You have certainly addressed all the operating issues too.
I had a similar problem, traditional bridging methods just did not fit nor would work - so realised a slide in bridge would. Because my layout is on legs ( a big table 19’ L x 10 to 12’ W x 43” H) when inserting it wedges (just a couple of mm) the layout between the walls (foam pads used to cushion) so whole layout is rigid without having to screw to the walls. Unfortunately I have to store that part when removed, unlike yours! Best regards Stephen
Absolutely genius!
Hi John, relooked at your video on this guide up lift bridge , still a interesting idea, might work for my new layout
Pretty cool...
That's awesome
Job very well done. Very interesting and ingenious :)
Great, solution!👍
That seems to crying out for automation. I’m thinking a matched pair of linear actuators, one in each support tower. Presto, push button operation for those times when your hands are full of new trains and scenery material. Although the current state of my health is likely to keep me from ever building it, I planned something like this, including your drawer slides. The room I had available is 10.5’ x 8.5’, with the entry door centered on a long wall. Since the table depth across the door opening would be about 20”, I figured on 4 slides. I got as far as rehanging the door to open outward before things started their downhill slide. Glad to see a validation of my vision, even if the NC&StL/L&N Centerville Branch never gets beyond the blueprint stage.
That is one heck of an idea!!!! I like it! My old layout had a swing bridge which worked well. If I still had that layout, I would do this! One question though John, are the trains going to stop before they get to the bridge? Or do you have a way to keep them from hitting the floor if the bridge is up?
Thanks so much Ray! The tracks over the gate and for about a foot or so on either side are on a separate block. I haven't completed the wiring in that area yet, but I will be installing a contact switch to kill the power to that block when the gate is raised (I'll be doing a video on that when I get to it.) But there's also a fail-safe. The sides of the "drawer" completely block the tracks heading towards the gate. So, worst case, the train would run into the drawer sides before plunging over the edge. Naturally, I'd like to avoid that, but it's nice as a backup. Appreciate you watching and your thoughtful question. Best, John
I had always wondered whether something like that would work because my entry to the room will also be a trapezoid. This helps eliminate some of the paralysis. Although my knees and back still won't attempt the limbo.
Super smart idea. I have a similar problem but unfortunately my door opens into the room which makes it difficult.
Thank you so much for this! My layout was sitting around for well over a year as I tried to determine what was the best way to build an entrance to it. This solved my problem perfectly. I'm not too savvy when it comes to making printed parts. Any chance you could put up the 3D finger tabs and handles .stl file on a share site like thingiverse?
So is this something you think could be adapted to a very large piece of plywood? An older gentleman friend of mine has a very large layout that we're going through and fixing a bunch of track and wiring mistakes from the previous crew and he hasn't slot car track over a section of his layout, it's 4 by 8 ft. Do you think I could take your drawer slides and tabs and have them on the outside of the fascia and then use a piano hinge on the back of the plywood? Because of the way the yard / staging tracks are laid out underneath the slot car track the only access is to lift up the slot car track.
John, how long of a drawer slide did you purchase and how high does the size to lift? I am in the process of building an access to my utility area which is behind my full basement layout. Up to now we have crawled under. But we have Culligan install a system for our well water and I want them to be able to service the equipment without having to crawl under and I am almost 83 and crawling is no longer any fun. Thanks for the video. Will join you group.
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍💡💡💡💡💡💡
Thanks James! Best, John
Good Job. I also had to use a bridge cause the room I built my layout was fairly small. However I used a tilt up bridge coupled with a linear actuator. Check out my video
Model RailRoad Bridge Episode 2
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