After spending a lot of time designing an off-layout staging loop for an adjacent closet, I’ve come to realize it won’t work well for a number of reasons - mostly access-related. I’m back to considering the option of under-layout staging. The original N scale trackplan called a for a long 2% downgrade extending around the perimeter of the layout to get down to the staging tracks and loop. I’m exploring using a helix instead - also approx 2% grade - to drop about 6" in a compact space. My issue is it would be sited squarely underneath a section of upper-level track. Aside from the issue of insuring sufficient vertical clearance at the upper entry to the helix - I’m wondering how to support the upper track or if I should re-route that section of track somehow and make a low slope or hill to view-block the helix.
One of my <540 degree (1+ turn) helices will have a station complex above its lower ‘entrance,’ and both the entrance and the station will be over hidden track on an even lower level. My answer is to support everything on risers from the L-girder structure below - possibly two-step risers to support the helix track and the station. Access to the hidden track can be gained by dropping the station control panel, which is hinged across the bottom.
My other helix will be finished off as a knoll, with a five-tiered pagoda and a Sumo ring on top - and mainline curves on two levels below. The scenery will be removable in sections.
If you model the entrance to the helix behind some kind of view block you can still use the disc of space within the inner circumference of the helix subgrade for any purpose you wish - but it would be a good idea to make it a lift-out. This does not preclude using it as a site for a track, or tracks. It does mean that there must be some way to assure proper alignment where the track crosses from terra firma to the removable section.
There’s no rule that says supports for track and/or scenery other than the helix can’t be fastened to the helix, as long as the supports don’t interfere with operation or emergency access. My ‘Pagoda Flat’ will sit on top of the same risers that support the helix underneath it.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with helices)
Thanx for the input - I forgot to mention that I plan a downgrade prior to the entrance to the helix so the entry will be about 1.5" below ground zero. The helix is about 30" diameter (about the max reach anyhow) so it won’t eat up too much real estate. Tucks nicely into a corner. I’ve never done benchwork risers, but that spot should be easy enough to rig up. Chuck - do you have some progress pix posted perhaps?
Information Station (PDF-downloads) has 2 books including this info…
[1] “The Silver Gate Northern” – Guide to helix & staging design (Vol. 1) = $8.95. This layout is a u-shaped cockpit along 3 walls in a 9’7"x9-11" room. Each layout level uses a dogbone with the helix at one layout end.
[2] “Union Terminal Railway in HO Scale” – Guide to helix & staging design (Vol. 2) = $8.95. This layout is on a 4’x8’ – Literally two 4’x8’ layouts are connected by the helix.
Get this: Each article uses its helix to double-up, with serial staging, on the helix! Also these articles are in HO scale – And if it works in HO scale – Then N scale gives the modeler expanded use of the available space.
Note the cover picture for each book to see how we are not limited to helix-access only at the helix-top and helix-bottom. In fact, you could even have a simple spiral at a dogbone layout-end to either gain elevation, or decrease elevation, to then use the “vertical helix-space” above the helix and below the helix – All you need is adequate layout height.
Maybe not text book, but I have a fairly large 3 deck layout, which has a mainline that runs from top to bottom (or reverse). Between the top deck and the second deck is a helix. The min. radius is 38 inches. In the middle of that helix is a switch (well laid) that takes a branch line off another direction.
All of this is located under a part of the top deck than contains a part of Oklahoma City modeling, which includes Flynn yard, staging tracks, engine facilities and two industrial areas. Now this may sound like trouble waiting, but, the structures at Flynn are placed over openings so that I can simply remove a complex and reach the helix tracks underneath. I also have access inside the helix. This helix was put in in the early 1990’s. I did have to replace the branch line switch one time, So, I simply removed the section of structures (no track) over that area for top down access. My wife, “bless her” is 5’ 2", is petite and agile. She helped me from inside the helix to remove, replace and she resoldered the feeders with me looking down from Oklahoma City access hole.
As an aside, I might mention that the bottom deck and the middle deck are connected with a longgggg mainline running out of sight along 2 walls. Easy access but never causes me problems.
Bottom line, if you put in a helix, great, but plan how you will rerail, repair, replace and any other little thing that might happen, as a helix is a child of “the worst thing that can happen probably will”.
Bob
I guess the bottom line is deciding whether a lower level + helix is worth it simply for staging / reversing loop.
While my helices are needed for arranging separation of levels of visible track, almost anything is, “Worth it,” if the object is to provide a generous amount of staging:
-
If you are a typical model railroader, you probably already have more rolling stock than space on visible track to operate it. Add that, if it’s not on the rails, it may just not get operated, ever. Having space to ‘park’ some, or a bunch, of trains will divert the question, "When are you going to put (fillintheblank) into service?
-
If you haven’t reached the above level of (super)saturation - you will.
-
Being able to send trains into staging means NOT having to provide a destination on the layout for every car loaded at your industries, or a place of origin for inbound loads. In fact, you can even have some cars, or solid trains, that are, “Just passing through.” (On my layout, that’s something over 90% of freight movements other than coal.)
-
If you ever reach the point of trying to operate to a timetable, with scheduled freights and several classes of passenger trains, the ONLY way to get the right ‘actor’ onstage at the appointed time is to provide a place (staging) where it can wait, ready for its close-up.
“The number of staging tracks you need is at least 2N + 1, N being the number you thought would be enough.” Tony Koester (I think)
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with LOTS of staging)