HELIX Building

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I am building a modest sized N scale layout that will require a Helix. Actually it will be a double track helix with each track leaving on a different level. I need idead for the actual contruction techniques used in building helixes. I am open to any suggestions that will make sense. Being N scale it doesn’t have to be overly strong. The radii of the two tracks will be in the 18" to 20" range, but I have plenty of room on all sides for any necessary alterations.

2

There is alot out there. Search the forums for “helix” or try :

http://users.rcn.com/weyand/tractronics/helix/hlxartcl.htm

Good luck

3

My preference, and there are many good ways of building a helix, is to use threaded rods for the verticle support, and plumber’s strapping between the threaded rods to support the track, and use Bachmann E-Z track or similar with integrated roadbed. The rods are located each side of the track(s). You’ll also need a large number of nuts. And base and top.

Clamp the base and top together. Mark and drill holes for the rods. Unclamp. Attach the rods to base using a nut above and below. Thread a nut on to each rod, then the strapping between rod paris to support the track, then two nuts, strapping, two nuts…finally the top, and the final nuts to secure the top.

4

This is a very interesting solutions. So far I have this solution and two good web sites to help me along, thank you both

Bill

5

Probably the best source of information that I have gotten on building a Helix can be found here: http://www.pcrailroad.org/index.html

Scroll to the bottom of the page to see each step spelled out.

6

Could you give a more specific link? All I can find there is an infrared detector circuit for use in a helix.

Thanks.

7

Go to http://users2.ev1.net/~pvanvliet/ModelRailroad/History/Version3/Helix/HE200210.htm

This is really wierd. I have gone to that URL twice and it has taken me to 2 different pages. At any rate, click on Helix on the top of the page and it will take you to the start of the construction pages.

8

Thanks for setting that straight for me. I forgot that they moved their website. I’ll have to add it to my favorites, again.