My small two siding point-to-point layout has little space for car storage. I finally recognized the value of staging and felt I had enough room for a vertical staging yard. I gave it a try using inexpensive materials I had available.

The elevator is made from 1x4" lumber platforms on which track is laid that are attached to vertical 1x2" strips using 4" angle brackets. I believe there is enough space for two tracks on 1x4" lumber.

At one end is the layout. At the other end is a short platform, long enough for a locomotive. A train can be pulled onto an elevator track. The loco uncouples and pulls forward onto the loco platform. The elevator is then adjusted so that there is an empty track for the loco to return to the layout.

The strips fixed vertically to the wall have an off-center slot cut into one edge. The strips supporting the elevator platforms have three joiner biscuits inserted off-center. The biscuits of the elevator strip ride in the slots of the vertical strips mounted to the wall. Making both off-center leaves a gap between the wall and the elevator strips provide clearance between the vertical strips on the wall and the elevator platforms the track rests on, as well as providing space for wiring.

Similar size lumber is at the edge of both fixed ends. There is a narrow slot created with additional wood under the fixed end pieces into which thin pieces of wood are inserted that the elevator platform rests on. I use both joiner biscuits or shortened wooden paint stirrers.

It is somewhat awkward removing both inserts, adjusting the elevator up or down and then reinserting the inserts. One is usually enough to hold the elevator in place while the elevator is then leveled and the seconds insert placed.

The alignment of the vertical strips is not very tight to allow for humidity changes (even though the wood is painted). I vertically mounted 1/2x4" metal strips against both edges of the benchwork to guide the elevator platforms past them to prevent the elevator platforms hitting the benchwork. A narrower metal strip would be needed if there were two tracks on each elevator platform.

I use ten penny nails inserted vertically in holes between the ties at both ends of each elevator platform to prevent cars from rolling off the elevator. I usually don't have a problem with cars moving while adjusting the elevator. The nails are cheap insurance.

The five level 36" elevator weights about ten lbs. A short elevator is fine for my small layout which runs short trains. A common approach is to use weights to counter balance the elevator allowing it to be supported and adjusted more easily. Cables attached to the elevator would need to wrap around pulley(s) mounted above the elevator to weights. I have little room for weights and pulleys.

Lateral track alignment is key. There can be relatively large gaps between the rails on the elevator and bench, as well as some difference in height. I use a screw to hold done flex track on both the elevator and the bench to allow adjusting the track laterally. Adjustments are needed every so often.

I had thought of adding some sort of rerailer, but recently saw that Walthers turntable instructions recommend to chamfer the inside of rails on the bridge and fixed tracks.

Of course there's the potential for motorizing the elevator and using optical sensors to select elevator platforms. I believe counter weights would still be needed.