to helix or not to helix

[asciibaron]

i have been trying to decide if i want to use a helix on my new Milwaukee Road layout...

the pros:
allows for 2 levels of layout
allows more railroading in the same space

the cons:
have to build a helix
need access for derailments
need multiple turns to reduce grades

i have been looking at this layout for inspiration on using a helix in a small space

http://oandw.home.comcast.net/~oandw/plan.htm


-Steve

[Mark5]

I've thought about two level layouts, one key factor to me is the amount of space there is above the bottom level.

I quick scan of that site did not reveal this info for me.

[John]

I use 40" ish and 58" ish

[asciibaron]

I use 40" ish and 58" ish

i was looking at using an 18" separation, but having the lower level at 40" seems very low to me, esp. for N scale.  i might make the upper level 56" and the lower level 44" - not sure how 12" would look with that much hanging over it.

-Steve

[John]

Steve ..  this pic shows 40 / 58 .. One of the things I do, is not make the upper shelf 12". The lower area is either 24 or 12. The upper, is around 10-11 .. that gives you some room for scenery, but also does not make it over whelming.  An 18" rise will require a pretty good size helix. I prefer 36" diameter, which would mean about 6-8 loops ..

[img width= height=]http://lh4.ggpht.com/acsxfan1/SG4xh0ZSQ1I/AAAAAAAAD2M/MdNe8zRAmCk/s800/IMG_4671.jpg[/img]

[asciibaron]

18 inch height gain with 8 turns on a 18 3/8" radius helix yields a 1.73% grade.  i might add a second track and use the helix as staging, and even have a lower level of staging, which would require means to get into and out of the helix from 2 directions.  still trying to decide if it is worth the effort given the small space i have - taking a corner for the helix would really eat into the available space, not sure it would be worth it...  8x10' might be too small for my layout idea to become a reality.

cue the Waffle House picture Dave...

-Steve

[John]

You can always try a "nolix" ... but thats best done with Appalachian scenery

[asciibaron]

here is another interesting idea - 3 levels with hidden staging and a hidden helix - "honey, do we really need storage under the stairs since we have easy attic access with the drop down stairs..."

http://members.ozemail.com.au/~andkeller/page8.htm

-Steve

[Mark5]

Based on the pix 18" looks like enough to avoid the "under the bed" effect.

[John]

"honey, do we really need storage under the stairs since we have easy attic access with the drop down stairs..."

That is where my helix is .. in the dead space under the stairs to the basement ..

[asciibaron]

"honey, do we really need storage under the stairs since we have easy attic access with the drop down stairs..."

That is where my helix is .. in the dead space under the stairs to the basement ..

that won't really work that well for me with a split foyer - the stupidest house design ever.  next house is a colonial with a full basement that is all mine.

when you moving John?

-Steve

[chuck geiger]

Steve and Cynthia Priest have done this with thier HO layout, if you plan, you can have the upper level and lower level meet and avoid the helix.

[asciibaron]

Steve and Cynthia Priest have done this with thier HO layout, if you plan, you can have the upper level and lower level meet and avoid the helix.

not in a room that is 8 x 10 - the grade would be brutal.

-Steve

[Hyperion]

To yield an overall 1.5% grade It would take 1200 linear inches -- 100 feet -- of run to drop 18 inches.   That'd be fairly difficult to squeeze into a 10-foot room without resorting to a helix.

Even with a peninsula in the middle of the room and narrow shelves on the walls to accomdate it, the best you could hope to fit in there is 50 linear feet without resorting to some sort of loop to hide track feet.

[womblenz]

Hi Guys

I'm using a nolix on my layout in an 18' x 10' room

It to does chew up some real estate only real advantage is you get to see the track rather than it being hidden

I'm trying to up 18" using 3 loops   bottom loop  30" rad
                                               middle loop   26" rad
                                               top loop       24" rad

This is around 3% grade. I might have to had another 1/2 loop in yet will find out later ??? :

Cheers Warren