Kit or Scratch build

Hi- Building my layout for the first time in too many years(had hair the last time too).
I want to include access for the disabled to the top of my landscaped area. This is some 36 feet above the general ground level.
At 4mm to the foot to form a ramp at 1 in 20 would take too much space hence I need to include a lift(elevator) or escalator.

I can't seem to find one in either kit or details of scratch build - can anyone please help? :hmm

An interesting question.
Would one of those chain driven cars one sees at the seaside suit the position?
I don't know of any kits but it would be a novel thing to scratch build.

Can you zig-zag the ramp ? Or use a spiral ?

Stu

Hi -yes it would but unfortunately its not a seaside scene. Its a theme park adjacent to a small town which will have a Faller bus running between the town and the base of the hill on which the theme park(dinosaurs) will be constructed.
Thanks very much for your help and interest
Regards
Ian

Hi Stubby.
Your idea possibly wouldn't work only due to lack of space. My intention was to have a path from the base to the top with frequent steps to permit general access.
 However the Internal Authority has now suggested that where the path was supposed to be constructed I should construct a steep narrow roadway, to be used by all, being transported on 4 X 4 mini-buses. She can be adequately persuasive too!
I would still like to design and construct a working lift if that is at all possible.
Thank you for your kind assistance
Regards
Ian

A lift shouldn't be too difficult.
Girders, frames and an appropriate box with windows.
It does assume a straight vertical position so perhaps you'll need to adapt the landscaped area or provide a cut out at the base.
Take some pics of progress - we like pics.

Yes I think I will try to build one -thanks for your help will keep you posted and hopefully photos later.
Regards
Ian

Top Tip: Fit the cables securely before attaching the front 'girder' detail.

I built a working wagon hoist for 'Wheal Tiny'. The main considerations were to stop the age from twisting whilst being lowered and thus jamming.
I used four long length of angled plasticard, one for each corner of the shaft and fixed to give consistent internal dimensions, then created a cage that was a close but not tight fit. Each corner of the cage was sufficiently long  to prevent any non-vertical movement being enough to twist the cage so it would become stuck.

If you want more details of this, please ask. Wheal Tiny can also be found on the forum's front page.
Stu

Another idea would be an aerial cable car...

Thank you all for your really helpful and practical suggestions -I'll no doubt use them -I'll keep you posted
Kind regards
Ian

I'm sure we all look forward to that Ian as I think it will be a first on here.

Hopefully Robert it will be worth waiting for as I'm a hopeless retired civil engineer
Kind regards
Ian

As you live in Redcar Ian, you could always pop down the coast to Saltburn and copy their cliff lift ……………

As an ex-engineer, it shouldn't be too difficult :cheers

Hi -could do- we go there walking along the beach to Saltburn regularly(at low tide)
 My model is going to be based in the modern era however and of course I could include a "water lift" but I was more thinking of a glass encased hydraulic ram type.Have now looked at the overall rise and its only about 25 feet which will make things a lot easier. How I'll get an operating hydraulic ram I've presently not got a clue
kind regards
Ian:hmm

There are some in the fields around here.

Yes indeed there are-Can I get the lift I require from then tho?
Regards
Ian

There are plenty of Spring lambs who have.

Hi Stu -Is it possible to get more details of the motor/winch mechanism you used?
I think the hydraulic ram I plan will simply be a moving but non powered telescopic chrome tube but the lift will actually be activated by a top of lift shaft mounted winding motor.
Thanks again-regards
Ian

….could you use a threaded rod, turned by a motor and concealed in a bit of chrome gas-fire pipe as a 'ram'?

 

Doug