I have 2 helices on my layout and I hate them, but I like your approach to helix-building. As you said, they can be a necessary evil. ...Roy P.S. I also use Kato Unitrack, and that helps.
Kato track is great. It looks good, and trains ride well over it; plus I like their turnouts. It's also very forgiving - you can get away with a lot of benchwork sins using Unitrack.
Helix are a tough approach to solve the problem of a two level layout, buying a premade is a great idea, but you said you are hiding yours, rethink about hiding it as I saw one were a gentleman used it as part of the layout by. Yes larger but scenic it to even with a station included with a team track to. Just food for thought, maybe to Kate now but think of the possibilities for the future. Thank for sharing I always watch for good ideas the threaded rods is one of the best but lots of work, just one question is how big a radius did you use....Jack 👍👍
Yes! Light cars, especially in the middle of a train will jump especially if you're only pulling from the front. Weights, to the proper NMRA (sometimes a little heavier depending) centered over the trucks seem to help in my helper service trials.
Hopefully you will see my question as I am really considering putting in a helix for a lower staging yard. I too use Kato track. Can you tell me what curved section of track that you used on yours? Enjoyed the video and thanks for sharing. Dave
I'm running their 13 3/4" radius. It's the smallest I would recommend going. If you have enough space to do the 28" radius which would be 56" diameter, that would be your best radius for limiting in-train lateral forces without distributed power.
@@AlleghenyNorthern So I guess you are using the R348-30 curves ? I am hoping to use the R481-15 curve which should give me around 19. If I am doing the calculation correct. Let me know if this is correct. Thanks for the info
I hate Helixes, but as you said, it is a necessary evil of Model RR. I like the threaded rod solution as it makes it easier to adjust as needed. When I build a Helix, I think I will go with a kit. Yes, it is more expensive, but if I do not have a shop to build one, I think a kit is a good solution.
Going pre-made will ensure it all lines up and everything fits nicely. Can't go wrong. If you look at it, you're paying more but you're not spending time measuring and cutting - so, there's a value in that!
my helix is the first thing you see entering the train shed. and I love watching the trains run in it .. area for derailments.. ya for sure.. really have to have good track work..
It's fun to watch the trains spiral through it, but it's not realistic. I know I'll watch them run the helix when I'm waiting for the train to get into the yard. I'll jump over to your channel and check yours out to see what you did.
They are pricey for sure! But, they add a lot of run time, mostly hidden off stage. If you can get the elevation you need on stage and scenic the whole thing, personally I think that's ideal. You never lose sight of your train - and isn't train watching part of the fun?!
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I have 2 helices on my layout and I hate them, but I like your approach to helix-building. As you said, they can be a necessary evil. ...Roy
P.S. I also use Kato Unitrack, and that helps.
Kato track is great. It looks good, and trains ride well over it; plus I like their turnouts. It's also very forgiving - you can get away with a lot of benchwork sins using Unitrack.
Hi, that was a very interesting and informative explanation of your helix. Thanks.
Helix are a tough approach to solve the problem of a two level layout, buying a premade is a great idea, but you said you are hiding yours, rethink about hiding it as I saw one were a gentleman used it as part of the layout by. Yes larger but scenic it to even with a station included with a team track to. Just food for thought, maybe to Kate now but think of the possibilities for the future. Thank for sharing I always watch for good ideas the threaded rods is one of the best but lots of work, just one question is how big a radius did you use....Jack 👍👍
Going from memory I believe that's the 11" radius - but I would have rather used Kato's 12 3/8" or their 28" radius curves.
Nice video on your helix 👍🏼. Good information. Besides couplers does car weight make a difference in proper tracking thru the helix?
Yes! Light cars, especially in the middle of a train will jump especially if you're only pulling from the front. Weights, to the proper NMRA (sometimes a little heavier depending) centered over the trucks seem to help in my helper service trials.
Hopefully you will see my question as I am really considering putting in a helix for a lower staging yard. I too use Kato track. Can you tell me what
curved section of track that you used on yours? Enjoyed the video and thanks for sharing. Dave
I'm running their 13 3/4" radius. It's the smallest I would recommend going. If you have enough space to do the 28" radius which would be 56" diameter, that would be your best radius for limiting in-train lateral forces without distributed power.
@@AlleghenyNorthern So I guess you are using the R348-30 curves ? I am hoping to use the R481-15 curve which should give me around 19.
If I am doing the calculation correct. Let me know if this is correct. Thanks for the info
@@davestrains6816 I'm using the Kato #20-132. It's R348-45 if you're going by radius size.
@@AlleghenyNorthern Thank you!
I hate Helixes, but as you said, it is a necessary evil of Model RR.
I like the threaded rod solution as it makes it easier to adjust as needed.
When I build a Helix, I think I will go with a kit. Yes, it is more expensive, but if I do not have a shop to build one, I think a kit is a good solution.
Going pre-made will ensure it all lines up and everything fits nicely. Can't go wrong. If you look at it, you're paying more but you're not spending time measuring and cutting - so, there's a value in that!
my helix is the first thing you see entering the train shed. and I love watching the trains run in it .. area for derailments.. ya for sure.. really have to have good track work..
It's fun to watch the trains spiral through it, but it's not realistic. I know I'll watch them run the helix when I'm waiting for the train to get into the yard. I'll jump over to your channel and check yours out to see what you did.
If it makes a Layout better to operate, go for it. Bob
I was going to use a helix but have redesigned the layout to do without, my problem was cost of track just for the helix
They are pricey for sure! But, they add a lot of run time, mostly hidden off stage. If you can get the elevation you need on stage and scenic the whole thing, personally I think that's ideal. You never lose sight of your train - and isn't train watching part of the fun?!