I am very excited about the progress I am making on the helix on my new layout. This is my thrid layout, but my first helix and I must admit the task seemed daunting in my mind, but it seems to be going pretty well. Two turns down, only eight more to go.
Ron
Gidday, looks extremely well constructed, and glad you got started, helix construction seems to be a thing that a lot of modelers who I regard as being very capable agonize about, keep up the good work and have fun.
Cheers, the Bear
Wow, eight more levels? You’re an ambitious and dedicated guy…my hat is off to you. It looks really good so far.
Crandell
Built and laid track on the third turn tonight. I need ten turns because I want a hefty 24" rise from track level to track level. I must say the helix seemed imtimidating, but once I studied it well and carefully set the first turn, the rest is going pretty easy–and it’s fun to build.
Ron
I, too think it looks wonderful. Will you be sharing your design upon completion? Also what is the scale?
Looks very solid can’t wait to see the finished result.
Hi…
Nice work on the helix so far…what is the track radius?
This is an N scale helix with a radius of 36" and a grade of 2.25% with 1/2" plywood roadbed leaving 2" clearance between rail top and under side of next roadbed. I have now completed four turns and have tested it with a sixteen car train pulled by two modern 6-axle locomotives and it pulled the hill easily. I think I will have not proplem pulling my maximum train length of 20 cars using a two-engine consist. Overall I am very pleased with it so far.
Ron
The helix looks nice. I suspect your grade calculation might be wrong. From looking at your materials in the picture and using your clearance distances I believe your grade is less than 2%. Also if that is n scale that looks more like a diameter of 36 and not a radius of 36.
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Yes, I istyped, it is a radius of 18" or a diameter of 36" which comes out to amlost exactly 2.25%. I have found a new tool which is a must for helix building–Micro Mark’s electronic level which gives you an immediate angle reading in either degrees or percentage. With it I can check the grade of the curve and proper superelevation or level track at any given point. It is a great tool.
Ron