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Raising HO Layout To Garage Roof
Tony has a question for readers:
I have a 8x4 layout which I need to suspend into the ceiling for storage. There are strong supporting beams in the ceiling and I have a well braced base board. Appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.
Comment below.
5 Responses to Raising HO Layout To Garage Roof
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Whilst not a whole layout I have just suspended my helix in my garage using 10mm threaded rod with locking nuts securing rods to layout via metal screws and fixings to metal roof battens
Regards
Greg G
Western Australia
I kicked around a similar idea when I was in an apartment a few years back. One thing that you could do is use chains that are synchronized so the layout stays level. I never quite figure out the synchronized part though.
Another thought would be to hinge the layout to a wall, then the rope or chain can support the-suspended end of the layout, in essence it becomes something like a Murphy bed.
I have my 6’X 8′ layout suspended from the ceiling in my garage.I lower it down onto saw horses. I used eye bolts at the corners, chain from the eye bolts goes across from side to side making a triangle when I’m lifting the layout up to park the car. Then I have cables that hook to the chains,running through pulleys attached to beams in the ceiling, over to the side of garage, down through another pulley to hand crank winch bolted to a cross beam between 2 of the wall studs. All chains and cables are rated for 500lbs, the winch, 1500lbs. You do have to watch the balance of your layout or it can tip to one side. I had to add a brick to one side to counter balance for the power supplies and switch panel on the opposite side. I also have chains hanging from the ceiling that I hook under the layout when it is up for addition safety. Let me know if want/need some photos.
HI, I used two garage door openers for mine. Back when I was working and not on disability. If you’d like the plans I drew for the 8X4 set-up Email me at [email protected]
Might I suggest using a $19.95 bicycle lift system? It comes with pulley’s and hooks and rope. All you need to do is split the two hooks to the four corners and attach the aparatus to the ceiling and hoist it up…..