Model Railway Forum

Hi was looking for a plan/image of anyone that may have built a helix track. Now a simple helix is not so bad to do. But i am looking to go down the helix & back up again the same helix with a continuous rail & no stopping. This could be via a twin rail or single rail with a turn around loop built into the helix. Any ideas. As i cant quite get my head around it. Similar to below. This is on an on30 & to keep it as small as possible, i will use small trains with short wagons. THANKS

Which scale are you building in? It makes a big difference - N requires about 2’ square while OO needs best part of 4’. An incline on a curve introduces significant drag so you would need to stick with R3 and R4 curves to make it manageable.
This is one I built in N a few years ago.



At various times it has lead to either a fiddleyard or a return loop but beware the latter as it can result in a reverse loop depending on your track layout where the helix meets the main running track.

Hi Steve, sorry i haven't got back sooner, but was having a nightmare getting back onto the forum. Something to do with cookies & nothing to dip them in.
But, I am on a 16.5 track with on30 locos & carriages. I have a turn around loop that works really well at 32” with a large loco & carriages, but on the flat I think I could push to 26-27” with the right locos & using smaller wagons, which would be fine in the space I have.
ON30 is a lot more forgiving on the bends you can use.
But, I am getting the feeling a helix with a reverse loop at the bottom might be less aggravating.
What materials did you use for yours? I am assuming possibly 3 ply & 4-6mm studding. Yours looks like you used possibly tube & studding.?

Whatever gauge you use you must make the gradient as gradual as possible - make the ‘rise per revolution’ just enough to clear your tallest stock plus the depth of the track. But also leave space to get your hands in to a)lay the track and b) rescue derailments.
I made a template for one quarter of the circle and cut 6mm MDF sections on a router table. I think it was 4mm studding for the supports - originally I used aluminium tube and nuts as the risers but changed it to three plastic corner connectors of the type frequently used in flat pack furniture. Exactly the right height for N and reputable at every joint.

If you not already seen it, it might worth a few minutes watching Chadwick video on building a helix.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q7NFuP5t8E

Rgds

Edit, there are several on the topic, I think the link is to the second part of the series

Chuffchuff wrote: ↑Mon Nov 16, 2020 6:58 pm If you not already seen it, it might worth a few minutes watching Chadwick video on building a helix.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q7NFuP5t8E

Rgds

Edit, there are several on the topic, I think the link is to the second part of the series

Ah! thanks, gives some very helpful tips & ideas.

Steve M wrote: ↑Sat Nov 14, 2020 1:41 pm changed it to three plastic corner connectors of the type frequently used in flat pack furniture. Exactly the right height for N and reputable at every joint.

Are these suitable for OO gauge do you think? And does the radius 3 (set track) fit just inside of a radius 4 (set track)(OO gauge that is)? I am thinking of using a helix on my lay-out.
As can be seen by my questions, I know nutting!
Jim.

Radius 3 and 4 laid side by side will give the correct track spacing although I would recommend using a couple of the Peco track spacing guides when laying the track. Also test with two of your longest coaches to check that the front corner of one doesn’t hit the overhang in the middle of the other. Also make it wide enough so the stock clears the supports.
The spacers I used would certainly work in OO although you would probably need five at each rod to give clearance. Also make sure each quadrant of the helix is supported in the middle ie pairs of rods attach end and one in the middle to prevent any sagging. An OO helix is quite a big beast.
I was going to make one for a friend and got as far as making the template - really surprised by the size.

Only a thought & if you have the space, a single track on the helix & some points at either end maybe more simple & as the previous video mentioned a lot cheaper, as the curved track aint cheap.

hi, I have 00 gauge helix, 7 tiers, rising 21 inches. I used flexi track. Made with threaded metal rods, plus many nuts. Ply wood supports on each join. Have sent you a pm. john