Burlington Northern's Scenic Subdivision

[Kevin C]

I have added segment 5 and laid the cork. The track is laid up to segment 4.

[Kevin C]

From my last post I managed to get a few more lengths of track into position on the helix......



and then add the next segment.

[Kevin C]

I am making steady progress on the helix in the evenings and on the weekends. Today I fitted the segment that connects with level two.
The two remaining mainlines will now continue on the helix up to level one, but will now move from the inside and middle radii to the middle and outside positions...

[Kevin C]

I took the following photo last weekend after getting the second ( Diorama Balcony ) into position...



And then this photo today.



I was under the impression that this would be the last, half segment that I would need to reach the height of the upper deck. I was however mistaken. I therefore quickly went to the supplier and purchased an extra sheet of plywood and took it to work yesterday morning. I will cut it tomorrow so that I can continue with the helix when I get home in the evening.

While I was waiting for glue to dry, I started to do some scenery work on the upper deck. At present I am fixing blocks of polystyrene into position so that I can start shaping the contours of the ground. Still early days with this process. The facia at the moment is simple card. Once I am happy with the shape, I will transfer it to masonite and cut it out as a complete length.


 

[Scottl]

That helix is a work of art.  The vertical rod that goes between the tracks on the balcony level might benefit from some padding.  I could envision a wayward derailment scrapping equipment against that. 

Do you have to turn all the nuts by hand or is there a special tool for that? 

[Kevin C]

Thanks for the compliment. I understand the point you are making with regards the threaded rod between the tracks. I have made sure that I keep the gap between the rail and this rod a little bigger. I anticipate that by the end of this weekend I will have the helix complete and will then start intensive testing with a variety of different rolling stock that I have in my collection. I may still wrap these uprights with something soft. " Just in case ". thank you again.

And to answer your question about the nuts. I do turn them all by hand, but once I did a few, I worked out a few good techniques to make the job go quicker. 

 

[Scottl]

I work with threaded rod at work for some instruments, and was hoping you had a clever solution, but I guess I just need keep putting on the nuts by hand!

[3DTrains]

An old variable-speed electric or cordless drill with a rubber cover on the chuck would help get nuts spun into place quickly (set the chuck against the nut, pull trigger with slowest speed to begin). If you don't have a rubber cover, then wrap and twist a few rubber bands over it (remember to close chuck completely first).

Cheers!
Marc - Riverside

[Kevin C]

Finally, the main helix is almost complete.!!!. 

The last piece of wood connecting the helix to the top level benchwork has been made, and the lower level joint plate is now in position that connects the helix to the staging module.
I am busy positioning the turnouts on the top level that will join the double mainline to the single track.



The connections to both the top and bottom levels can be seen in the following photo.



Here is a close up photo of the bottom connection plate in position.

[Kevin C]

This weekend I managed to complete the base for Helix 2. This helix will require less than one turn to reach the desired height.
Helix 2 will connect level 3 to level 4.



I then test fitted what will be the base for Helix 3. This helix will supported by the one below and will connect level 1 to level 2.

[auburnrails]

That's quite the project with the helices.  Kudos to you - they look really good.

-Dave

[Kevin C]

Thank You Dave.

My first intention this weekend is to construct the base for Helix 3, then start adding the segments, roadbed and track to build the helix to height. By the end of the weekend I will post the progress made.

I have been busy with a second small project :-

I have aquired two Digitrax Zephyrs over the last couple of years. One will be used as the Command Station and the other as a Throttle / Booster for a second operator. I was trying to work out where to place them on the layout as all of the layout surfaces will be covered with scenery and yards etc. 
I decided to install two tracks mounted to the bottom of the Level 2 benchwork and then make brackets so that the Zephyr's " float " above the yard on level three.
They can now be moved back and forward for a distance of 3ft on each of their tracks so operations in the yard below will not be hidden.

The build process is shown below:-

[Scottl]

This is seriously awesome.  Every step is fantastic.

[glynsay]

Ja Kev

Now I know why you have been so busy at work... What did you say the other day? "Hectic"

Looking good boet.

Glynn C

[Kevin C]

Thanks Scott and Glynn.

I have been busy making further progress this weekend.

I have now completed the benchwork for Level 3 which essentially completes all my benchwork.

This view shows the connection of Helix 2 to Level 3.

 

The corner pieces are connected to what will be the right hand entrance to Balmer yard.



The left hand entrance to Balmer Yard is shown below.  It is here that the Diesel Engine repair facility will be located.



And progress on the final " Helix 3 " is half complete. This is a single mainline that will connect Level 1 to Level 2.