The Ro-Ro Train Elevator is a unique solution to storing and staging model trains. In our opinion it is a well thought out and well built kit that provides a good alternative staging solution for many model railroaders.
The Ro-Ro Train Elevator (www.ro-ro.net) has been advertised in Model Railroader Magazine for many years; however, I was reluctant to consider this solution for my own layout without first seeing one in service. At the 2006 NMRA National Train Show, I got my opportunity. Walter Kiefer, the proprietor of Ro-Ro Train Elevators, had a unit on display at his booth. Two things about this solution really impressed me. First, the lack of vibration of the unit. My own layout is N scale, so it doesn't take much lateral vibration before the cars will derail or even tip over. After watching the demo unit, I was certain that vibration would not be an issue.
The second thing that really impressed me is the indexing system. The indexing system is extremely simple, very accurate and provided with simple adjustment to ensure that it works on every layout every time. I'm not going to give away the details, but this is a very slick piece of engineering. Being an engineer myself, to me a perfectly designed and built system is beautiful, partly because they are so rare. This is one of them.
After returning home from the 2006 show, I redesigned my layout to take advantage of the Ro-Ro Train Elevator and purchased one right afterwards. Unfortunately a move and children have resulted in a smaller layout which doesn't accommodate the Ro-Ro Train Elevator (and has significantly less staging for it). Thus I'm short on pictures. However, my unit is still in service as the test bed for our Ro-Ro Remote kit. Each kit is tested prior to shipping, so this unit is playing a valuable role for DCC by Design customers.
In addition to the Ro-Ro Train Elevator Official site, we have found the following web pages and You Tube Videos showing Ro-Ro Elevators in service.
PeteH2001's You Tube Videos showing his unit in operation - Ro-Ro Elevator Video, Ro-Ro Elevator 2, & Ro-Ro Elevator 3.
Mike Nicoletti's layout with Ro-Ro Train Elevator
