I am getting ready to start layout number 4 and plan to model the BNSF Transcon line running from Mendon, Missouri to Bucklin, Missouri (BN interchange for schenic purposes only). I have the track schematics for that 20 mile stretch but am wanting to model it as close to scale as possible. With that said, I essentally have a 18'x11' area to build in and because of that, I plan to do a bi-level layout, with towns (Mendon to Rothville to Marceline to Bucklin) on both levels if need be, in n-scale, hoping to immulated a double main by essentially using a dogbone. Having those ideas, I am drawing a blank on where to start and how to put together a track plan. I assume I need two helix to make it work... As for the layout itself, I would like to do a horseshoe with an island or something to that affect, eliminating a duckunder or liftgate. Is it possible?
You could do it with a single Helix with two tracks, one up and the other down.
LION has a four track helix, but then him has a four track mane lion.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
This is similar to what I am building. Thw two dogbone loops will be stacked on top of one another, adn include staging. The double track then winds along the lower level to the helix, up the helix, and around the upper level. I will probably have a bypass on the top and bottom of the helix, so there will be 3 options for continuous run - bottom loop to lower bypass and back, upper loop to upper bypass and back, and then also over the entire lower level in one direction, up the helix, over the upper level in one direction, back around the upper loop, across the upper level in the other direction, down the helix, and around the lower level in the other direction
No need for multiple helixes.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
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