Helix Radius

[Anonymous]

I am looking to double the size of my current layout by adding a second level on top of the first one. The track would need to climb somewhere between 18" and 24" The layout is in a room 7.5' by 11 feet with benchwork between 24" and 30" deep along the walls. For added interest, the room is a former solar heat collector which means walls that are about 6" of reinforced concrete so going outside the room is not an option.

The space that I have currently set aside is a 36" by 36" corner section. My rail line is a branch line where trains are not likely to be more than a half dozen cars pulled by one engine.

Are there any recommendations for what is the minimum radius for a helix? I'm thinking that I can likely accomodate something slightly larger but the bigger the helix, the less room I would have too move in the centre operating space. What about ovals? Are they any better for these types of places?

Can anyone offer directions to a good source on building a helix in a really tight space?

Thanks,

Neal

[Anonymous]

I would say use at least 36" radius for reliable operations. I know it takes up a lot of room but the stresses on a train going up in a circle should not be underestimated.

[Anonymous]

Hi
This is for anyone with experience with helix' . I would like to use one coming off the inside of my mainline curve (going outside won't work) and would like to use a 19" radius, will this work ? I have to get trains down to my under layout staging.
Thanks