L Cowan wrote: Ken, what would be a good seperation for the two levels? Helix grade is 3.2% with 3.8" seperation. decks are to be foam with 1 X 3 frameing. Distances to table edge are not accurate, just what I could do with RTS.Helix access will be from inside, ubderneath. The reverse curve on the helix upper level is a not thinking curve, I should have changed that.I just realized that I can put a reversing loup on the lower level. I will do some rework tonight and post it for shreading.
Ken, what would be a good seperation for the two levels? Helix grade is 3.2% with 3.8" seperation. decks are to be foam with 1 X 3 frameing. Distances to table edge are not accurate, just what I could do with RTS.
Helix access will be from inside, ubderneath. The reverse curve on the helix upper level is a not thinking curve, I should have changed that.
I just realized that I can put a reversing loup on the lower level. I will do some rework tonight and post it for shreading.
Is that 3.8" seperation actually 3.8 between railheads or from the bottom of the benchwork to railhead? You need to support the helix loops somehow, whether that is canterlevered support from "posts" inside or outside the loops or threaded rod fed thru holes in the loops.
As for the distance between the upper and the lowers, It depends on how much overhang the top has over the bottom. From what I've seen on most layouts the top is about 1/4 to 1/3 the width of the bottom. So if the bottom is 30" wide (your scenario from veiw block to edge) then the top COULD BE 20-24" wide. However, this is your layout so if it works well for you build it. Maybe get creative building a mock-up using plywood supported by cardboard boxes to see how it looks and feels.
ACCESS!
Those tracks in the middle of the layout are going to be hard to reach for coupling and uncoupling cars especially with building between them and the layout edge.
What about access to the helix when something derails in there?
Also, what is the reverse curve leading the the helix on the upper level supposed to accomplish? A straight lead in might give less problems.
Have fun
Another thought- you show 24.3" between levels. Have you taken into consideration the thicknesses of the upper level benchwork? I'll assume you are using 1/2 plywood supported by 1x3 lumber. You now have 20" of vertical access.
And put thought into the overall height in relation to see/reach both levels decently?
What did RTS calculate for the distance between the helix levels?
Just asking......
2 more thoughts-
-your track plan show the track on the layout edge....you may want to consider shortening the track on the far left (runs parallel to the 5' edge) and shift the entire plan towards the lower edge of the layout a bit. Most locos don't take to flying to well.
-the track leading to the helix on the upper level, I'd try to move the turnout that feeds that to the left a bit and try to straighten the helix feed track a bit. This would help prevent potential issues of the extra curves at the helix top.
Overall it looks good. Here are my thoughts.
8% grade? You may want to get 2 sections of flex, attach to a straight board and elevate it in 1% increments testing each loco at each incline setting. 2% seems acceptable with a max of 4 or 5 in extreme cases. Also, drag on the train increases on inclined curves.
On the upper level if you swing the end of the 2 spurs (behind the staion) towards the veiw block a bit you could squeeze another spur on there for a total of 3. This will give you an extra "storage" track. It may mean putting the veiw block in a S shape which may be more gentle to the eye.
Ditch the brass track.
Your plan looks good. You are determined to turn your engines on both levels with two turntables yes?
I cannot find much to pick on.
Greatings from Ogden UT. I am a great fan of this forum, don't post much but check it twice a day. I am getting ready to build my first layout since 1963 and want seguestions on my track plan. I am working in HO
My railroad is a shortline (fictious ) of the SP, transition period ( all motive power presently is steam tested to negociate 15" R turns)
DCC control
Area to work in is a 5' X 10' table
Ruling grade is not to be more than 8%
Lower level ruling turn is 20" R with a 22" R helix
upper level ruling turn is 18" R with some 15" R on sidings
Industries are logging and mining with an interchange to SP
The track plan was done in RTS, I am learning XTRKCAD but it is taking time
The blue line is a view block but it does not go through the helix on bottom level
Here are the plans, hope the pictures come through
Upper level 12" X 12" grid
Lower level 12" X 12" grid
I want to thank everyone before hand and please feal free to rip it apart, all seguestions will be considered then considered again.
PS: Any other seguestions ( track, switches etc. ) are welcome, i am used to brass track.