Who has a helix? (On the train layout! of course)
I’m trying to find out what size Helix’s would be popular 36, 42, 54, or larger?
Of course there are a lot of variables to take into consideration:
Helix vs just a gradual incline/decline
What the intended result is to accomplish. Meaning what the elevated level is intended for, classification yard? long runs? etc…
Considering one, would like to hear any comments.
Thanks.
Susan Deats.
Susan’s newer web page on her new helix — > http://www.slsprr.net/
Susan’s old page on her old helix ---- > http://venturea.com/sue.htm
Susan’s layout don’t need scenery, there are many interesting pieces and configurations to keep many operators occupied.
Fantastic, Susan.
Ralph
All I can say is " WOW " !!! Fantastic to say the least … and built by a lady !
“and built by a lady!”
This reminds me, unfortunately, of Samuel Johnson’s statement: “A woman’s preaching is like a dog’s walking on his hinder legs. It is not done well; but you are surprised to find it done at all.”
Of course, women can do model railroading and toy trains with the best of them; and any condescension or patronizing is badly misplaced. For example, I can attest that the 3-rail layout in the San Diego museum, described in this CTT article, and the accomplishment of the late Brenda Bailey, is done not just well, but supurbly:
Bob,
Thanks for the plug. [tup]
She was also a noted builder of brass steam engines.
Well EXCUSE ME … no condescension or patronizing was meant !!! She’s probably much better at it than YOU or me … LOL .
The sad part is that she passed away upon completion of the layout.
Several members of the AGTTA are expanding the layout of a fellow member, part of which includes a two track helix (the photo shown is before the second track had been laid).
To our knowledge, it is the largest two track “O” gauge helix that has been constructed.
The minimum diameter is 072. The scenicking of the helix will begin when the benchwork and track laying for the rest of the layout (the helix is shown in the corner, to the right) is completed.
Page 7 on that article has the best picture. I built 2 1/2 loop helix in wood shop class in high school. I used gargraves and the track diameter was about 48". It was a bit steep. I never got it hooked up to the layout and had to sell it when mom sold her house. I highly suggest the larger the diameter or track the better.
Since it is doubtful that many of us have actually constructed a helix, you might be better served by providing details about what you’re trying to accomplish, rather than posing an open ended question. As you said, there are a lot of variables to take into consideration.
Susan Deats helix is ten feet in diameter - two tracks
I wasn’t really trying to be ambiguous, but didn’t want to limit conversation. Her’s the deal,
Our club (AGHR) has an issue regarding an elevated line. The line is 16" high, and currently defined as a reversing loop, with about a 60’ foot lead in. I wanted to get that line back down to the main track, so as not to have just a reversing loop, and limited train usage. I have done various considerations for a grade, but each has some issues. Therefore the helix consideration.
I attended a train show a couple of weeks ago and met a person who does helix’s for N scale and HO scales. We had met a couple of times and discussed the issue, he is extremely optimistic it is indeed doable. As a matter of fact, he has plans on offering a O scale product line, and had asked some various questions, below is what I indicated;
Grade: 2% preferrable, no more than 3%
Minimum height between layers: 6.5", will provide for Double Stack Cars. Tallest car I can find.
Track Diameter,
0 72, or larger would be the most prefferable, providing for the smallest grade, but also requiring the largest foot print.
0 54, or 42, Would accomodate the “majority” of engines and cars, and be somewhat manageable, but still require a big foot print.
-0 36, definitely has the best foot print, but certainly limited in application.
So, was trying to help him with “marketing” info, in addition to the design characteristics of our appliction.
Thanks for the pictures, they are awesome. And maybe in a few months will be able to add another one to the gallery.
Which, happily, reminds me of Dorothy Parker’s observation: “You can’t teach an old dogma new tricks.”
Texas Pete
DON, here is an old thread from back in 2004 that I remember. Hope it helps?
http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/p/24593/336795.aspx#336795
laz57
I remember Elliot’s pictures, wonder how he is doing? Thanks for the link.
One of these days I have to get over there to see his place, we are in the same town about a mile and a half away.
The smaller the circle, the steeper the grade, AND, the more the track “twists” as it is screwed down to the plywood climbing up the helix. So the smaller the circle the less chance that all 4 wheels on the driving truck of GP, SD or steamer has downward contact with the railhead.
As to Elliot he hasn’t returned emails in a year or more. Its been over a year since he stopped in at the pizza place I work at. I did see him out mowing the lawn in the last week when I was out on pizza delivery but he was facing the other way and I didn’t have time to stop and chat. The helix in his basement is 8 or 10 feet across. Quite a site to see.
take a look into this company ashlindesigns email is ashlindesigns@msn.com THIS IS NOT a personal recommendation, you need do your own investigations here, as always.
They work mostly in HO but will do O gauge. you give them the variables, they construct the circular bed and the lift poles/braces that you attach the bed to. Its a kit. might be worth your while,
I asked them to quote a 2 track [1 up, 1 down] 36 in curve with 6in clearance. to me it was worth it to get my rolling stock from the table top tot he storage yards. still working on it.
ralph
**
Helix information:
Type: 2 track / 4 level helix (actually, it is 5 levels)
Dimensions: 8 feet Wide x 16 feet Long ( the top, single track extends to the wall an additional 2 feet).
Type of track: Lionel tubular track 0-72 curves were used in all hidden areas and Gargraves flex track used in all exposed areas.
Minimum curve: 0-72.
Floor Level to 1st Level: 15 inches
Floor Level to 2nd Level: 30 inches
Floor Level to 3rd Level: 41 inches
Floor Level to single track 4th Level: 53 inches
Incline/Grade: varies from 3 to 3 1/2 percent
The outside track loop has a total of 7 blocks (at half loop intervals… i.e.each 1/2 loop is a single block)
The inside track loop has a total of 8 blocks.
In reality, it is a 5 loop helix … since it actually begins on the 1st floor layout and spiraling to the 2nd floor.
Beginning its climb (A) on the East Peninsula side of the layout, it curves left (B), turning left, again (C), up the mountain grade to ceiling height.
Proceeding along the North wall (D), it eventually meets, and travels along the West wall (E), climbing to the second floor.
Once reaching the second floor, it turns left (F), and approaches the helix.
Part of the first floor helix can be seen
