I was wondering if I should plan to superelevate the trackage in my helix. I’m not sure if it will provide any operational benefits. Any thoughts would be helpful!
Thanks
I would not. It complicates things for no useful purpose, and it may actually contribute to any tendency for your longer trains to stringline.
I would only do superelevation on some curve that are visible near the edge of the layout. Even then, I tell folks to elevate to half of what they think is right, and run it for a while to appreciate the look. Once you have the glue and ballast and weathering done, changing it up or down becomes a real pain.
Also in N Scale, instead of superelevation, I am planning to add short straight sections instead of making the helix completely circular, but still maintaining the helix spiral effect…
Reason #1 - to lower tension on couplers.
Reason #2 - to use rerailers as some straight sections.
Each action is intended to eliminate derailments as a helix way of life.
A little practical physics:
On the prototype, superelevation is used to counter the centrifugal force which would transfer an inordinate amount of weight to the outer wheels.
On a model (any scale smaller than 1:4) the comparable force isn’t enough to justify superelevation unless your operating speed is measured in Mach numbers.
Therefore, superelevating model curves is purely a cosmetic exercise. That means it isn’t worth the effort unless the track can be clearly seen in normal operation. I would estimate that 95+ percent of model helices are buried inside opaque scenery, or visible in a manner that makes their non-prototypical status obvious (slit window in a tall fascia.) If the top exit curve is visible, it might be a candidate for superelevation. If the exit tracks are straight - don’t bother.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
Thanks everybody! I will not be bothering with doing any superelevation that is not visible. I am currently working on a 1/4 scale model of my proposed helix and that is challenging enough as it is!