Howdy all, I have had some time on my hands so I decided to get working on my first helix. Info:7 1/2 loops at a 20" radius30 pieces of flex,,, which comes to 870" or 72 1/2',,, wow that is alot of track!!!! Bottom track height 3'-2 1/4"Top track height 4'-8 1/2"Which leaves 1'-6 1/4" seperation. The grade roughly comes out to just a little more than a 2%,, I think.There is just enough clearence to clear a Red Caboose auto rack,, maybe 3/8 of an inch. The staging yard is going to consist of 8 tracks,, the total yard lenght will be right around 14' for each track... I do plan on having two different yards, cause there is one more helix to build I used 1/2" plywood to cut the sub-roadbed. I drew curves in 120 degree arcs, making sure the width was 2 1/2". I pre assembled the circles on the garage floor using biscuits and glue. Let that dry several days. For the uprights I proceeded to use 1 1/2" x 3/4" stock with a dado groove cut 3/8" deep every 2 1/4" . I was going to use a supports on both sides to create a sandwich,, but after I secured the outside with #1 square head drive finish screw ,, I found out that was plenty strong.So enough of the words on with the pictures.Here is shot looking towards the main yard and you would be running westbound leaving the helix on the upper level.The next two pics are of the staging yard and helix together. Right now since the other throat is not in yet,, the tracks are about 9 ' long.So there ya have it,, I will take a video also of a train traversing the monster.Adios for now,, Wyatt
Outstanding work in any scale!
N Scale CR&T will have at least 2 helix tracks for one PRR train 'coming' while the other PRR train 'is going' -- the Pennsy mainline is 2 tracks. Your vertical support construction is well-taken -- more than one track most likely needs inside & outside support.
Gallitzin at Tunnel Hill, the West Side portals, is the scenic and railfanning prototype for CR&T's helix summit, while the East Side portals are the template for lower helix entrance.
Your efforts are inspiration for those of us yet to construct a helix. If there's one thing to be gleaned here -- it's how meticulous planning and use of "more than foam" provides rock-solid benchwork strength. I really like how you're not cutting yourself short on staging, and how staging is a major helix justification.
What differences do you expect for your next helix?
Conemaugh Road & Traction circa 1956
that is some very nice work you have going on there. the more and more i look at and see yours. it makes we want to build/put on my layout. very nice and clean work. keep motivating others.
So, how about coming to my place and helping build mine? I'll grill some steaks!
Now that I look back,, I would have double tracked my helix... The next one I do,, it will be double tracked.
The reason that I did not do that to this one,, is because I was able to get all teh sub roadbed out of one 4'x4' piece of 1/2" plywood. Which I already had on hand. ALso instead of using 120 degree arcs.. I am going to use 90 degree arcs and see how that works.
I have thought about building helix for customers,. I just need the parameters.
adios wyatt