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Just a couple of comments on Helixes (or however you spell the plural form)...... We have one helix on our club layout, the Meridian Union Terminal Raliroad, that is used to convey track from table level to duckunder level to travel to the next room. It is constructed of particle board subroadbead under cork roadbed under Atlas flex track. It is a two track main on 24" and 26" centers. The helix makes 4-1/2 loops to reach the required altitude. Trackwork in the helix should be nothing short of excellent. In our case that meant level side to side. We chose not to do any superelevation although, I have seen it done. It also meant soldering rail joints. Operation on a helix should be limited to 20 car trains. (although we have broken this rule from time to time and even used pusher units). What the heck, every rule was made to be broken. It is also imperative that cars be as uniformly weighted as possible. If your cars are not uniformly weighted then be sure to put the heavy cars to the front. Believe me a de-railment in a helix can be a b..., well, it can be bad. Having said all this, best of luck and GO FOR IT. Regards, Bill Lowe Sec/Treas. Meridian Union Terminal Railroad Meridian, MS
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