Hexagon helix construction video

[NYC_George]

I did manage to make a short video on the hexagon helix I built awhile back. I received a few emails wanted me to make a video on the subject. So if your interested here’s the link. You can tell public speaking is not my thing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U52ba-Irs8

NYC_George

 

[UP2CSX]

George, nice job showing showing and explaining the basic techniques of building a helix. You are a better carpenter than me.

 

[wheeler1963]

George, how much space does that take??

 

[NYC_George]

Jim when I decided to built the layout 11 years ago the first thing I bought was a double compound saw it makes all the differents in how the bench work looks. Jerome by the way I love those switchers.

The helix itself is 6’ X 6’ the outside upper deck main adds another 8” to make it 6’8”. I wanted one of the lower deck mains to run under the helix so I had to cut an additional 6 sections the day of construction. As I explained in the video I got tired of cutting them. That brought the total of sections I cut to 20. The grade now is 3% I would have needed to cut another 7 or 8 sections to bring the grade down to a 1 ½ or 2 %. It works extremely well but at 3% you can figure 12 to 15 cars per engine. I’m working on a new video which has my 11 car 20th Century Limited doing a complete loop of the layout which includes a trip up and down the helix.

NYC_George

 

[OilItRight]

Helix Construction

If there are any known design and or construction plans for building a helix available on web sites, I'd certainly appreciate receiving a url.

I am currently in the planning and design of a layout. Which is probably going to require two helixes and so I'd like to find some good plans.

If anyone is interested here is a link to some pictures and design drawings. Nothing is really finalized at this point.

I plan a triple deck layout each with different scenry and function.

http://null.linuxgod.org/~whynot/trackplans/

The layout is going to be built in a trailer

http://null.linuxgod.org/~whynot/traintrailer/

The interior of which has been completely replaced since these pictures were taken.

 

[NYC_George]

4 reverse loops

Are those four reverse loops in the plan? Reverse loops are nothing but trouble? I’m not sure where you’re putting the helix.

NYC_George

 

[OilItRight]

Reverse loops?

Sorry such a newbie here. What I understand to be a reverse loop is not on the track plan. The track plan which is repeated on two levels is a continuous track with continuity for the entire length keeping polarity without shorts.

As far as my question regarding a helix or helix's the circles represent possible helix location. I an still pondering whether or not I should use 2 helix's one between the 1st and 2nd level and another between the 2nd and 3rd level. Or, 2 helix's one at either end that have entrances and exits between all 3 levels.
An 'uphill' and a 'down hill' and allow for clockwise as well as counter clockwise trains to go up or down.

Still all a bit confusing for me, I'm afraid.

 

[NYC_George]

helixes, reverse loops etc.

If you plan on building a one track helix than you’ll have to install reverse loop so the train will not have to back down the helix unless you’re planning on running around the train on the upper level. A two track helix will allow you to do without the reverse loop running the trains up one track and down the other. In my layout design you can jump off on to the upper level and stay there with out going back down and having any reverse loops. You have to be careful how you design this otherwise your train may have no alternative but to head back down the helix. I don’t see why you couldn’t have two of these double track helixes one at each end of the layout. One being between decks 1&2 and the other between decks 2&3, if you have the room. That way you cold jump off and stay on any one of the 3 decks. Designing this is not as easy as you would think. If it’s not done right you could unknowingly end up with a reverse loop. I think reverse loops cause a lot of extra expense and trouble. Before you start laying track make sure you have thought everything out and it all works on paper first.

NYC_George

 

[Wastrel]

On reverse loops, if one is needed for one reason or another. I find that if you make the loop long enough to hold your longest train and install an auto reverse module you will have no trouble at all from your reverse loop. Just be sure to gap and fill the rails at each end of the loop. The fill of the gap is to ensure that you don't get rail closure at some future time due to expansion or contraction as heat and humidity levels vary.