From the looks of it I don’t think a helix is needed, just a long ramp. I’m thinkin that if you cut the loop on the under side and make a 2by4 tressal (one to hold the track not look pretty)up so that it xomes out inbetween the stairs on the side and the house. then it can run up the side of the house to the big layout.
You might consider using a gauntlet where two sets of rails occupy one brige and make it a big loop.
Mark:
After looking at you photos, I can only see one way of connecting the two systems.
If you were to use the “multiple loops” that I mentioned in my first response, it would create a serious tripping and stumbling hazard around the stairs off the back deck. I would say that the “loops” idea is a complete wash out. (at least along side the house: SEE BELOW!!!!)
The photo of the front layout indicates that you have track on two levels already. In order to not compete with the raised beds along the side of the house I think I would vote for a double decker (two level) bridge running against the foundation wall from front to a double track helix under the back patio. Keep this straight run at about 1.5% and should have no problems.
A more ambitious approach would be to come off of both layouts and head for the chain link fence. Provide “level grade pedestrian crossings” at both ends. Now with a ten foot wide swath along the fence, I can see multiple loops, mining and timber industries, a couple of small communities. In Other Words: a completely new third GRR that serves a bridge between the two existing systems as well as a stand alone system in its own right. To carry this concept to the next step of insanity; put a river and a pair of small lakes down the middle of it, with running water. Now you are looking at about another five hundred feet of track (thousand if you double mainline it), and a couple more loads of retaining wall blocks. Just the thing to keep you busy for the next two years.
Now that Sounds like a good (and appealing) idea.
Tom;
Sounds like a very plausible scenario once I accomplish three things:
Acquire more money
Re-appropriate some time from my busy schedule
Talk the wife into finally fencing in the backyard
But seriously, thanks for the suggestion about using the double deckered bridge. That might actually be do-able in the not too distant future.
Mark
I said this would keep you busy for a couple of years. Stay away from Starbucks, that would give you at least three retaining wall stones every day. Every time you take the wife out to dinner, you just blew another 50 foot of track. Work through lunch, makes the work day go faster and saves enough money to buy a car every week.
I’ll bet you are one of those people who waste 6 to 8 hours every night by laying down in bed. Get up and get to work. There’s another 40 hours of effort every week!
Why talk to the wife, just do it!
CAUTION: Following any of the above advice could leave you at the short end of divorce court. I just gave you a though, I did not mean to accomplish it all in one weekend. Go ahead and build the “bridges” and helix now and then keep this idea as part of your ten year plan. Always have a long term goal.