Did anyone catch the show the other day on TV about the Lionel collector and the tunnel that made the train disappear? It ran down into a spiral then back out, but was done very well. Has anyone ever done this? what track is needed and how much room? Thanks much for any help, Jake
Jake,
That show was the first part of the DVD that TM produced about Richard Kughn and his collection. The layout that you are refering to is a dealer display layout that was built by Lionel in 1950. This layout was built to show the capabilities of Magne-Traction equipped locos. CTT had an article about this layout a while back. The article had the track plan and all the other info needed to build your own replica of this layout. I can’t recall what issue this article is in. Maybe someone else knows. If I find out what issue it is, I’ll let you know. By the way, the second part of the DVD will probably be on RFD-TV this Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 EST. Check your program guide.
Jim
It’s outlined in Roger Carp’s book on Lionel Display layouts. The trick was supposed to show how well Lionel loco’s with Magnetraction could handle a tight radius curve and a steep grade.
Display Layout D-27. Reqired a couple of sections of custom cut track and judicious use of isolation pins to keep the train from running away or stalling. Pages 93-95 of the Lionel Display Layouts you can build.
OK, I’m getting close here I think. I’m going to give this mess a try and see what I can find. Is this display tunnel ever offered for sale on Ebay or elsewhere? Thanks again, Jake
Fred,
The disappearing layout is very rare and when they come up for sale it is in the $7,000 to $15,000 (or more) range depending on condition, provenance, and what buyers are willing to pay at the time.
Jake,
Featured in:
NOVEMBER 2001 ISSUE CLASSIC TOY TRAINS. Available for sale. Use search function on opening/home page to find it.
The tunnel is not a separate part. It is built as part of the layout.I think kids called this magic mountain because a long train of gondola cars goes in and the engine does not reappear for a few seconds.
Good luck building this great layout.
Ken
Thanks again to all, trying to find Roger Carp’s book now. Best Regards, Jake
Ken, Thanks for posting the issue reference. Found it in the “library”. Fred, email me and I will fire back a pdf version of the article via email.
Elliot [Big Boy] has built helix [sp] that does the same thing. Train goes in, passes over it self, disappeares and comes out.
When under construction.
Thanks Chuck, Email is AndrewsCaneRods@aol.com Website is www.AndrewsCaneRods.com
I appreciate the help on this. Best Regards, Jake
At a local train show I saw a version of the “magic mountain” done with HO. It was great. You would see this long train enter the mountain on one side then wait and wait for it to reappear on the other side. Very interesting visual effect.
What is the slope or grade that you used so the train can climb without slipping? I would like to build a helix that gradually climbs up and around a mountain (like the polar express mountain). I would only like 2 or 3 spiral segment between top and bottom of mountain. This is for my grandson and the mountain will only be about 24" high.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
The diameter of the circle for the helix for O gauge needs to be pretty big. I remember reading on another post that a minimum rise at the point that the tracks pass over each other needs to be 6" (spiral plywood bass plus track plus train height), so for a 3.5% grade, which from what I read is about as much as you want to go for most trains, the diameter is going to be O-54. That’s the minimum diameter for most trains. If you want it to taper in like a mountain, then you would need to stack 0-82, then O-72, and then 0-54 as the top layer. If you go to O-42 and keep the 6" rise, then you will have a 4.75% grade, and 6.75% for 0-31. Most locos can’t handle that.
Wes
Constructing a hidden helix is an extremely challenging woodworking task. Furthermore, you want the curves and slopes to be gentle enough so that the train doesn’t stall or derail when out of sight.* The effect (which is wonderful) can be accomplished more easily, if one has a separate room that the train can enter through a wall, or space under the main layout for a lower level. All you have to worry about is getting the train down and back up one level without incident. If you can go out-and-back through a wall, you can do it all on one level.
Personally, I feel that the best way is to arrange things such that the loco emerges just as the caboose is entering the tunnel, although some might prefer to have the train disappear completely. Kids absolutely love it either way!
*A couple of years ago a real CSX train caught fire and stalled in the Howard Street Tunnel under the city of Baltimore. Not a pretty picture, to say the least.
It is quite a project and so enjoyable to watch. Best to you on this undertaking.
cooltech[8D]
There’s a picture of one at the following link if it helps:
http://www.lionellines.com/files/displays/D-27.jpg
Also, a member of the OGR Forum, Stur-it, built one. His email is available in his profile. His layout was featured in the LRRC Inside Track with photos in the Fall 2007 issue 118.
company called ashlindesigns makes a helix kit. primary work is ho/n, but they make o scale to your dimensions. all you have to do is put it together. simple as can be. most of the cost is in the shipping.
ralph
Thanks! I don’t really need to spiral in so I think you’ve given me what I need to get started.
I’ve never built a helix; but it has always seemed to me that a good way to go would be to clamp a plywood ramp between nuts on vertical threaded steel rods.
Yes, they have… Lionel D-27 Disappearing Train Layout Display