Can anyone name a good company to check out for buying a helix for use on a HO model train layout. It needs to be cost efficient and around twenty two inches tall.
There are a number of helix kits available - But they all are pretty ‘spendy’! Here are some I have seen:
http://www.ashlintrains.com/servlet/StoreFront
Search on ‘train helix’ for DIY material. You did not mention what radius you are planning to use for a helix - this will determine the grade…
Jim
Didn’t know there were commercial helixes, but I built my own with no problems. I have a three deck layout with two helixes, 36" radius, one is double track and they have been in place for over 20 years.
Bob
They key to building a helix, which I think ecapes many people and makes it seem harder than it is, is thatother than for the first level when you are ramping up from your ‘zero’ level, the spaces between each layer are all exactly the same height! Read one of Jim Hediger’s articles on building his helix - he mentions this several times as one of those ‘eureka’ moments when you finally realize that.
None of the commercial ‘kits’ is inexpensive - and you are pretty much stuck with “here are the specs” with little modification allowed. Like building a layout with sectional track.
–Randy
Yes and no; I know that the gentleman at Ashlin Designs, Rodney, does offer custom sizes for an additional charge.
I had him put together two custom kits for me as I wasn’t looking forward to trying to put a helix together from scratch in the time that I have.