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HO Helix
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Lyctus, <br /> <br />I would double check those radii with the equipment you are going to use....I found that my larger locos needed more clearance than 2" on center to pass each other without catching something. Maybe 21.5" and 24" or 22" and 24.5". You will probably be OK if you are running small stuff and no long passenger cars but if you are running bigger stuff....Test it first. It would be a bummer to build a double tracked helix that has only one usable track...... <br /> <br />FYI: I got a four turn double tracked 30"/32.25" and three turns of 30" helix out of two pieces of 4X8 ply with pieces left over by cutting out 1/4 turn sections. The drawback to the method listed in the RMC article is glueing together eight pieces of wood for every turn of the helix....That is a lot of glue joints......The disadvantage of the 1/4 turn method is that you spend more time cutting out curved pieces. I borrowed a buddies' band saw. Made quick work of the cutting. <br /> <br />I laid out each full rotation on a flat table to tweak em' and then glued em' in place on the helix....I laid flex and yes, it took a while to stagger the curve joints, but the thing runs smooth as glass. I also laid out, cut and soldered each rotation of track on my work table and then carried it over to the helix to instal it. Lots of fun carrying a 5' diameter circle of track (easier with a buddy to help) but it all worked out fine in the end. code 100 flex is very forgiving... <br /> <br />Helix building can be tedious but was surprised how quickly it went..
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