Check out this guy's elevator!

[mikeinbmore]

Here are some pictures. Hopefully this gives you some idea of the setup. Tracks on the wall. The platform sits on a frame. The frame has 3 sides and open in the front. The platform is on hinges and folds up so others can go down the steps. The weight is concrete in a well casing approx 250 pounds. 1 cable on each side hooks to the back of the platform and pulls the weight up as I go down the steps. I drop a pin in each side of the track at the bottom of the steps before getting off so the weight does not drop and shoot the platform back up the steps.

Are the tracks attached to the studs or is there some other form of support?
Do you use the handrails to propel and slow down?

[kurtsang]

The tracks are bolted into the studs. I use the handrails to propel myself up and down. As long as the weight is the same as the weight going down the steps it takes very little effort to propel yourself.

[mikeinbmore]

The tracks are bolted into the studs. I use the handrails to propel myself up and down. As long as the weight is the same as the weight going down the steps it takes very little effort to propel yourself.

I see what you mean. Thanks for the additional pics and explanation.