I am currently planning my new layout. It will be steam and set in the early 1930s. I have a room approximately 20’ x 20’ and I have decided on a multi level approach. The bottom level will be a point to point around the walls with a peninsula.
The upper level will be a mining and lumber operation which will deliver product to the lower level. I believe that a helix will suck up too much room so I need a device that will allow me to move short consists (four foot) between levels.
I thought that I would ask the “Been There Done That” crew their thoughts on how to slay this dragon… I checked out roro.com and he has a great product but I thought that I could get by with something less elaborate.
You’re stuck with either a helix or a zig-zag arrangement where a train goes up or down an incline to a point half-way between the two levels, and then takes the other branch up or down as appropriate.
Cacole:
I understand but I have opted for a transfer device. This is another step but it saves room and though I contemplated a switchback transfer, I think a manual or motorized transport system would fit my room configuration better.
John Armstrong’s book “Creative Layout Design” has a couple of things you can build for moving whole trains from one level to another. Don’t know if it is still in print, but you can probably find a used one at a train show. You could also run a track around the room in the back of the lower level (even put a removable back drop in front of it).
Enjoy
Paul
Why not just create a long grade uphill to the upper level? The grade can either be completely hidden behind scenery, partially disguised by the scenery (when it gets too close to the “top of the sky”), or the entire upper level can be blended into the scenery of the lower level. True, a long sustained grade will eat up a bit of flextrack, but it’ll be cheaper, easier to build, easier to maintain, and will be a simpler way of moving trains than any sort of transfer device you can come up with. And think of the extra mainline length you’ll end up with!
You might also try a stacked mainline type layout. Do a magazine search. MR had an article about 30 yrs. ago. Something else, how about putting the layout inside the helix. That would give you over 80 ft. of running each time around!
Bob Hayes