Making a Helix

[Anonymous]

I have finally produced a plan that I like after 2 years of planning. Building the base has started however, I am not 100% sure the best way to go about producing the Helix that rises from the base layer of a flat level 70cm to the top layer being 100cm with two loops round...

What formula if any is used to calculate the rise of the track?

Is there anything else one has to consider when constructing the Helix?

[NZRMac]

Here's a link for a helix calculator, the website is down at the moment.

http://www.railroaddata.com/rrlinks/Detailed/3941.html

Ken.

[randyaj]

If you know the amount of rise and the radius that you are seeking the formula is simple. Dx3.14=circumference (ie length of run around the circle). Then using the grade that you desire will tell you the amount of turns that you need to accompli***he height that you require. For instance if you are looking at a 30" radius 60x3.14=188.4 inches. 188.4 multiplied by grade(.02 for example) would be 3.768 inches of rise per complete circle of the helix.
Hope this helps
Randy

[Anonymous]

I would also ask what should be the highest gradient you should go through for the Helix.

I am using Fleischmann Profi track for the project, which means that I am using both 6125 and 6120 the smallest radius curves for the Helix, this may not be ideal however I do not have much width to the room and subsequently this is the best I can achieve.

The radius curve of the two are 6125 = 36degree 420mm and 6120 = 36degree 356.5mm.

You can take a look at http://poseidon.redxpress.com/railway/helix1.JPG being top part of the Helix and poseidon.redxpress.com/railway/helix2.JPG being the part that joins the base layer.