helix

[roadruck]

How do I go about building a helix? I want a 3.5% grade. It will be covered by a Mt.

[Anonymous]

hi
from what i have heard, and from what i have seen, heklixs are a horrible thing to undertake. also, a 3.5% grade is quite steep.your going to be pulling cars i presume. of which they have to br almost perfectly balanced, or they will topple off. i would suggest agianst the helix, but if its the only option, og for it, and do your homework!

[Anonymous]

There are two or three earlier threads that discuss helices. Just do a search on Trains.com with the keyword "helix" and a lot should pop up. Also try a "helix" keyword search in the Model Railroad library index, about 40 items will appear. Good luck.

[dknelson]

Everyone I know who has a helix certainly says they went through quite a trial making it work right. Of course one of them admits the big mistake was building the whole thing and THEN realizing you should lay the track as you go!!

Have you explored the "Easy Helix" kit from TrainStyles? They advertise in MR and Model Railroad Planning and perhaps also Great Model Railroads. I saw it demonstrated at Milwaukee's train fest in November and it is made of very high quality materials, has an easier grade than what you mention, seems quite do-able. It is not cheap but then neither is one you make yourself
Dave Nelson

[Anonymous]

In addition to the 3.5% grade, you have to consider the radius of the helix. The tighter the curve the more drag on your train which will have the same effect as a steeper grade. I'm sure there is a math formula that can do the translation.

Ken, D&J Railroad, Stafford, VA