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For my new layout, the Silverton, Lake City and Northern, I am planning a non-standard helix to climb between decks.  My intention is to build an hourglass shape inside of a peninsula.  The hourglass adds a few inches of straight track over an oval to accomplish the climb.  At the top of the climb, the track will cross over the previous level so that the track can exit at the same coordinates on the plan (x,y+20",z).   My intention is to make the curves a somewhat sharp 18" radius.  I plan to compensate for this by reducing the grade in the area of the curve and increasing it the straight sections.   Important to note, this is an HOn3 layout, with the accompanying shorter trains and lighter cars.   Any thoughts on this plan?  Anyone built a helix that isn't exactly a helix?   Edit to reflect the actual planned radius in nonlix.
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