?? Transition track run between two levels ??

[gandydancer19]

Here is another layout problem that I am facing and could use some help with.

I have a dedicated room for my RR (HO) and I can do anything I want as far as attaching things to the walls etc. No limits as I own the building and room.  (I have worked as a carpenter some, and have the tools and experience to build almost anything.)

My layout plan is to have two levels on part of the layout. The current plan is to put a nolix on the walls that would go from the bottom level to the top level. The room is 22 x 9, so a helix would take up too much space for my tastes. Height differences have not been set in stone yet and is not an issue with my problem, but I have been thinking of 16 or so inches difference. The bottom level will be from 18 to 24 inches wide (some modules have been constructed), and the upper level will be 18 inches wide with lighting under the upper level. As you can see, I don't have a lot of width on the bottom in some places. The nolix will also make two 90 degree turns in two corners of the room along the 9 foot wall.  I am also thinking of using a narrow shelf for the nolix and to put track on. (sub roadbed)

How have you done it, and-or how would you suggest that I attach the sub roadbed to the layout / walls going up to the upper level? I was thinking of metal shelf brackets, but they would show on the walls and I would like to avoid a visible wall bracket if I could.

How wide would you make the sub roadbed? I think that I do want to use ground cover and ballast on the track area for the whole run.

What would you do with the corners?

Some things that come to mind scenery wise, are to start the grade as part of the scenery on the lower level, then jump to a narrow shelf (sub roadbed) by using a bridge for the transition.

Any suggestions on how high to go before making the transition to the bridge?

I also think that some type of narrow facia would be desirable to hide the bus wires and feeder drops under the shelf. How deep or wide would you make the facia?

Should I make the facia plain, or add brick or stone paper to it to add to the scenery effect?

Any and all suggestions are welcome.

[Johnnny_reb]

gandydancer19, could you post a simple line drawing of the said room with all obstacles located with in it and how you are planning the basic layout benchwork in the room. What is the overall shape?

[dehusman]

I thought the idea of a "nolix" was that the LAYOUT made the spiral, not that there were two levels with a ramp between them.  On a nolix the layout is essential ONE level but on a continuous grade from the lowest level to the highest level.

Dave H.

[BlueHillsCPR]

I thought the idea of a "nolix" was that the LAYOUT made the spiral, not that there were two levels with a ramp between them.  On a nolix the layout is essential ONE level but on a continuous grade from the lowest level to the highest level.

Dave H.

Yup.  I think the OP is mixing up his terms and confusing all.....

David B

Heh, nah he's really only confusing you X-spurts who know exactly what a NOLIX really is.

[SilverSpike]

How have you done it, and-or how would you suggest that I attach the sub roadbed to the layout / walls going up to the upper level? I was thinking of metal shelf brackets, but they would show on the walls and I would like to avoid a visible wall bracket if I could.

I have a no-lix about 75% complete leading from my lower deck and approaching the still to be constructed upper deck. I use a shelf bracket and stanchion system to support my benchwork and most of the no-lix sub-roadbed is attached to risers that are themselves screwed into the benchwork joists on the lower deck.

  

How wide would you make the sub roadbed? I think that I do want to use ground cover and ballast on the track area for the whole run.

For the double mainline runs the sub roadbed is between 6"-8" wide.

   

I also think that some type of narrow facia would be desirable to hide the bus wires and feeder drops under the shelf. How deep or wide would you make the facia?

Should I make the facia plain, or add brick or stone paper to it to add to the scenery effect?

I will be adding a scenery base to simulate a gradual hill and mountain terrain between the levels.

Here are a few images for your inspection:

Deck separation (early construction stage):

Starting the no-lix from the lower deck (notice the grade tool - I keep it at 2%)

More early construction and tools

Continuation of the no-lix...

....and some more sub-roadbed going up....

Got some cork and backdrop put in too...

Looks like a NS inbound consist coming down the main line (no-lix) (YouTube video link below)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brlXNZmDi0I

Regards

[wjstix]

Once the layout is done and backdrops in place, you won't be able to see the wall brackets if you go that way. It's also nice as it gives you shelf space below the layout if you wish.

[gandydancer19]

O...kay....

Johnnny_reb - The room is rectangular 22 by 9 foot. No obstructions, just the room with an open center space and four corners. The layout will go around the walls on 18 to 24 inch wide bench work about 42 inches from the floor. OK, there are two doors, but they are not a problem. There were two windows, but I just took them out and closed them in.

Dave and Dave - Maybe I don't know what a nolix is, or got a wrong impression of what it is from other posts. Someone said it was a helix but spread out on the walls. So I was thinking it was a sub roadbed or narrow shelf attached to the walls.

Ryan - Thanks for the pix. My version of the nolix was going to start as part of the layout scenery on the bottom similar to yours. But some distance up, maybe 12 inches or so, I am planning to jump to a narrow shelf that then continues to, and attaches to the upper level.