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Our club is building two layouts. One N scale and one HO scale. both will be multi (bi-level) level layouts. We intend to utilize helixes to transverse from one level to the next and back. A couple of questions come to mind that we would like to get answers to in order to help us ensure we do everything a well as they can be done. 1. What is the minimum spacing between tracks in a helix (we will be utilizing a double track main line around the entrie layouts and helixes. Normal HO spacing is 2 -1/2 centers. (I am not sure what it is for N scale, as I am involved mainly with HO)? 2. What is the minimum radius of the curves in the helix that is recommended for use (we have some 85 ft reight cars and double stack container trains)? 3. What is the best recommend grade percentage (we are shooting for around 1.9-2.2 percent)? 4. What is the best loop spacing for both HO and N scale (based on the total distance btween the top of the rails on one level to the top of the rails on the next level up the loop or after one complete loop travel)?5. With a multi-level layout, what is a recommend distance (hieght) between the two levels (we are shooting for about 24 inches)? The alst question really doesn't concern helixes. We are planning on building many of our own turnouts. We are trying to locate PCB ties or blank PCB (copper cladded boards). Where is a good place to look? In the event we must make our own ties, what thickness and tyupe of PCB material shuld we use. I've seen Series 600 (Presensitized) and Series 500 (regualr). I've seen single sided cladding, 1/16 -1/32 - 1/64th inch thicknesses. Which is best? I would greatly appreciarte any help you folks can provide. Our entire layout will be DCC utilizing a Digitrax Radio Equipped Super Chief Sytstem with several boosters and PM42's as well as track detection. thankyou,
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