Proses Programmable Train Elevator

[KiwiAlan]

I spotted Proses' new programmable train elevator for N scale and wondered what other members think of it.

On paper it looks quite attractive – up to 24 trains stored in a relatively small footprint, touchscreen control, programmable positions, and direct connection to the layout.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KHHZrmfUi/?mibextid=wwXIfr

However, it also reminds me a little of the old Nelevator concept. From what I recall, Nelevator generated a lot of interest but ultimately disappeared, with a number of modellers reportedly losing deposits when the business failed.

I'm therefore interested in hearing views from those who have experience with:

• Proses products generally
• The quality and reliability of their engineering
• Customer service and after-sales support
• Whether anyone has seen one of these elevators operating in the flesh

A few questions that come to mind:

• How precise is the track alignment likely to be over time?
• What happens if power is interrupted while the lift is moving?
• Does anyone know what sort of indexing/position feedback system it uses?
• Would you trust it with a collection of expensive N gauge stock?
• Given the Nelevator experience, would you be comfortable placing a deposit on a product like this before there are a reasonable number in service?

I'm not trying to be negative, it's an innovative concept and could be a great space-saving solution, but I'd be keen to hear both positive and cautionary views before considering one.

[ntpntpntp]

As it's not available yet nobody except Proses can answer the specific questions and who knows about long-term reliability?

Proses seem to come up with a lot of products, some seem to be good ideas.  I've not used any of their offerings myself.

[njee20]

I agree with ntp on all counts. At the moment few can answer any of that!

I certainly wouldn't let the failure of Nelevation cloud my opinion of the Proses offering, they're wholly different products. A lot of the Proses products feel like a sledgehammer to crack a walnut, or a solution in search of a problem, but I can see the appeal of this.

[Thorpe Parva]

Appear to be 2 different sizes & available to purchase...

https://proseshobby.com/search?options%5Bprefix%5D=last&q=elevator

[njee20]

As I understand it the pre-existing product is a single shelf one - effectively replacing a gradient, as a means of getting a train to a different height, rather than a complete storage system. The new one has the 12 roads and is therefore a proper storage system (and comparator to the Nelevation). I imagine the price will be rather higher than the ~£500 for the current one.