Hi Joey. I just finished using your idea for my helix. Let me say that hand cutting 32 risers and 80 curved sections was time consuming to say the least. I kept reminding myself that spending time is why I do it. The results are really great. My helix has five loops and rises about 17 inches. I was concerned it might not be strong enough as I used foam core instead of gator board, but the finished product is very strong. Easily strong enough for anything my HO scale layout would throw at it. The strength is additionally improved when the Atlas True Track is glued down. All in all... a great new approach to a major headache for modelers. Thank you for posting your thoughts. We look forward to your next offering.
Trackside Scenery Hi Joey. I’m not sure how to send you photos on you tube, but I’d love to send you a couple. I will go to your webpage to send them to you.
Right On!! That works. Great idea. I have built two they end up so heavy can't tear them down and move them. Plywood circles are impossible to make neat.
Imagine if Bachmann made an ez track helix like urs! Great idea! There’s a market for a snap together helix like that! Keep going on development. I love the concept.
Another helpful video, Joey. Thank you, and I wouldn't blame you for not posting on the MRH forum again. The uninformed and the nitpickers were pretty quick to comment but say nothing, and not one word of appreciation to you. Gatorboard is great idea for a helix. Thanks for the inspiration!
Joey, it's very nice to see a new tutorial from you. I had often wondered if a helix could be made with Foamboard. I model in N scale, so I thought the lightweight nature of the scale would allow it. This Gator board is a step up. Very nice. Someone in the MRR, world, ( wink, wink nudge, nudge ) should manufacture these, both in N scale and HO, in a ready to build kit form. The individual pieces would not be too heavy and easily mailed. Just saying.......I very much look forward to a new layout build. Later.
Hi Norman, keep in mind that this isn't regular foam board like you see in Walmart in the school project section. That is foam core, but only a card stock material outside. Gator is wood pulp vaneer and a lot stronger.
Awesome! That's the track I planned on using in my helix. No one will see it and it's easier than laying flex track threw the helix. You should sell those as a kit.
Great idea, great video! Wish that this helix was on the market, since I am a sort of disabled and not able to make it myself teh way you showed in the video. Anyway the video inspired me to find a way I can manage to construct one myself! Thanks.
Nice....... One question though. Will this work in O scale? I got a bunch of Tropicana reefers and box cars I wanna run all together but no way I have the space for the amount of cars I have.
At 10:00, you are installing "leveling blocks". Is the lower level roadbed supported by leveling blocks and/or risers? Is the grade determined by the leveling blocks?
Depends on how you are installing it. This is on a flat surface so I am leveling with blocks. When you build these, obviously sitting on a table unleveled, it will be leaning as it is a corkscrew. It has to be leveled. You can use basswood sticks, paint stirrer or whatever just to level it.
Just a minor negative comment.....Enjoyed the video, and some great ideas, but after ruling out plywood because Gatorboard is easier, you use a laser cutter.....I don't think many model railroaders have one of those. :-) But Gatorboard is a great solution, and thanks for some great info on designing the helix.
Laser cutters make it easy but as you can cut foamboard with a knife, you could just draw up and print out one piece and cut out, then draw roundxand use it as a template. Although the side parts are a bit harder to do 100%, I'd guess the round bits don't need 100%. Will be giving this a go.
That's very cool, really appreciate the time you spent to show how you created this great light-weight helix model. Personally, since you have the laser cutter, I'd sure like to purchase one all ready cut out in pieces vs. attempting to do this myself with an exacto knife. So, how much for one? There's a real need for these things, great job!
Thanks, Joey! Always great instructional videos and a little "out of the box" thinking for your railroad construction. Maybe future videos on other ways to use Gatorfoam for building a model railroad , railroad structures (bridges?) , and buildings?
Can you sell this as a kit??? That is truly amazing work that you have done sir. But we all don't have access to a laser cutter like you. Can you sell this as a kit form?
Good to see you back. As usual you are thinking outside the box or circle. The enhancement materials are a great addition to the hobby. Have you had the Helix long enough to measure the expanding and contraction from humidity?
I don't have the skills to build one is this for sale as a kit cause I might need one on my layout if not than I'm gonna have to build something with riser kits
Outstanding Video Joey! That is some out of the box thinking for sure and appears to be top notch (I didn't expect less!). Patent for sure, heck sell those plans to folks to build their own, or perhaps you sell them online for folks! Great job as always!
I know this sounds crazy, any chance you would create for sale an “O” gauge version. Maybe I should back up and ask if this could actually support heavy “O” gauge trains?
Do you think the sections between the risers will sag over time and result in a undulating helix. I know GATORFOAM is strong stuff we used it to make a 4 piece modular layout to take to Amherst. It is very light compared to our old module and has gone through 2 shows in great shape. Getting large sheets was a little difficult. You thinking of offering it a a kit? Very interesting video.
Even large Gator 4x8 sheets I have here on the shop stay stiff, now the regular foam board (paper stock sandwiching the foam) does curl, even the smaller sheets. We use them for displays and signs here at the shop. Selling kits would be a large undertaking. Maybe templates or something who knows. Thanks for watching, much appreciated! Joey
so nice to see a video from you . been awhile. that being said. i will be in the market for 2 helix. but i looking for 24" or 26". are you promoting the gator board? so we can make this our selves, or the actual helix ? i checked the sites links. one is closed for updates, the other is a lot of stuff to look through.
Sparky, no I am not promoting Gator. We use a lot of it here in our print shop for a variety of jobs. There are quite a few distributors around the USA. Closest to me is Walker Supply Co in Rockville, MD and they will ship.
Do you not sell a turn key kit for a complete helix with height being the only variety? Complete kits is key based on total height/levels and single or double track. This is a niche market that needs filled without breaking the bank like the helix kits on eBay which sell for - $350 - $450 each.
Our helix components have been selling amazingly well since the launch in January. The component format allows you to create a "kit" and allows the user to build the exact helix they want in terms of loops, a variety of different radiuses and heights. That was the number one key when we started researching the desires of modelers. So when you say "turn key", all you have to do is select the components you want and put them together just like any kit. If you are looking for a helix, contact us at tracksidescenery@gmail.com.
WOW ARE BACK LINE AGAIN AS LIKE YOUR GREAT DETAIL VIDEO ON NEW LAYOUT AND WISH to SEE the LAST LAYOUT FINISH THAT shows PUT TOGETHER AS PART START ALL TOGETHER
Great video I'm going to share it to my new Facebook group called trains across the world my gold behind the group is to bring everyone together in this world to share the love of this hobby in one place feel free to stop by and check out the group and join us
but what about 10 lb locos? you didn't show that so you must be avoiding the subject of 10 lb ho scale locos....I kid, I joke....good work, very innovative.
ALL THE COMMENTS THAT WERE MADE DIDN'T SAY HOW MUCH ? LOOKS GREAT , BUT I WOULD HAVE TO DRIVE 1.5 HOUR AWAY JUST TO GET THE STUFF. OF COURSE I COULD USE UPS. I LIVE IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWERE EASTON SHORE OF MD. I WISH I HEARD ABOUT THIS STUFF BEFORE I BUILT MINE. SOMETHING NEW EVERY DAY. AS BEFORE GREAT JOB.
Using the trapezoid shape would make marking easier as it would be straight lines drawn/cut. The last one I did was a trap and cut by hand with straight edge - looked pretty good.
This isn't the first gator helix, but the first one that I cut on the laser. The three previous - I cut by hand and they work exactly the same, just not as pretty. For "those" not familiar with these types of substrates, this material is Gatorboard and unlike foam board which is foam covered with lightweight paper stock.
THANKS FOR SHOWING YOUR SKILLS
Gator board - inexpensive?
Laser cutter - $$$$$$
Razor cutter - inexpensive
Tweak as needed!
Looks like it works good!
Good Job!!!
If you do a lot of scratch building the laser would come in handy. Or just sell the laser. How much is your time worth to you?
Hi Joey. I just finished using your idea for my helix. Let me say that hand cutting 32 risers and 80 curved sections was time consuming to say the least. I kept reminding myself that spending time is why I do it. The results are really great. My helix has five loops and rises about 17 inches. I was concerned it might not be strong enough as I used foam core instead of gator board, but the finished product is very strong. Easily strong enough for anything my HO scale layout would throw at it. The strength is additionally improved when the Atlas True Track is glued down. All in all... a great new approach to a major headache for modelers. Thank you for posting your thoughts. We look forward to your next offering.
Bravo John. Would love to see some pictures or video.
Trackside Scenery Hi Joey. I’m not sure how to send you photos on you tube, but I’d love to send you a couple. I will go to your webpage to send them to you.
Groovy. The black makes it even nicer. Everything goes with black.
I just have to ask... any possibility of sharing the cut template for the risers...perhaps as a pdf?
Great tutorial...thanks for showing how you "lix" your problem...
Thank you for the detailed explanation with demonstration. It gives me a fair idea of how to construct the helix in my layout.
You have proved again that a solution to a problem is to think outside the box. Thanks!
thank you for great detail video show very great detail ideas on build helix
from Australia
Wow! Always appreciate your out-of -the-box thinking, Joey. Well done!!
Right On!! That works. Great idea. I have built two they end up so heavy can't tear them down and move them. Plywood circles are impossible to make neat.
Imagine if Bachmann made an ez track helix like urs! Great idea! There’s a market for a snap together helix like that! Keep going on development. I love the concept.
Another helpful video, Joey. Thank you, and I wouldn't blame you for not posting on the MRH forum again. The uninformed and the nitpickers were pretty quick to comment but say nothing, and not one word of appreciation to you.
Gatorboard is great idea for a helix. Thanks for the inspiration!
Much appreciated Paul!
Easy, cheap and quite nice looking! Thanks from Barcelona
Great suggestions
I applaud your building of the helixes, and its a great method if you have a laser.
Wow Joey ! Love the gatorboard.. thanks for sharing and keep up the great work.. Lance
Joey, it's very nice to see a new tutorial from you. I had often wondered if a helix could be made with Foamboard. I model in N scale, so I thought the lightweight nature of the scale would allow it. This Gator board is a step up. Very nice. Someone in the MRR, world, ( wink, wink nudge, nudge ) should manufacture these, both in N scale and HO, in a ready to build kit form. The individual pieces would not be too heavy and easily mailed. Just saying.......I very much look forward to a new layout build. Later.
Hi Norman, keep in mind that this isn't regular foam board like you see in Walmart in the school project section. That is foam core, but only a card stock material outside. Gator is wood pulp vaneer and a lot stronger.
Trackside Scenery , Joey, you did not read my comment all the way through. But, that's okay. I won't unsub. Later.
Awesome! That's the track I planned on using in my helix. No one will see it and it's easier than laying flex track threw the helix. You should sell those as a kit.
Like a few here, this would be a great product for you to offer for sale. Make base sizes and sell them both for HO and N.
Great idea and a great video.
Great idea, great video! Wish that this helix was on the market, since I am a sort of disabled and not able to make it myself teh way you showed in the video. Anyway the video inspired me to find a way I can manage to construct one myself! Thanks.
I'd buy two for my layout if offered cut out already.
Be a hero and sale it as a kit?
Joey Excellent ,great to see your videos again!!!
Nice....... One question though. Will this work in O scale? I got a bunch of Tropicana reefers and box cars I wanna run all together but no way I have the space for the amount of cars I have.
Great idea and well presented. Thanks
Love the helix ×2,very cool idea
THANK YOUU...for sharing. Great idea.
Really nice share!
Great video. Giving me lots of ideas. Thanks.
Great idea !!!
Nice ide, that would make it easier too....thanks for sharing....Jack 😉
At 10:00, you are installing "leveling blocks". Is the lower level roadbed supported by leveling blocks and/or risers? Is the grade determined by the leveling blocks?
Depends on how you are installing it. This is on a flat surface so I am leveling with blocks. When you build these, obviously sitting on a table unleveled, it will be leaning as it is a corkscrew. It has to be leveled. You can use basswood sticks, paint stirrer or whatever just to level it.
Great idea ! (as usual) Don't wait so long for the next video !
Just a minor negative comment.....Enjoyed the video, and some great ideas, but after ruling out plywood because Gatorboard is easier, you use a laser cutter.....I don't think many model railroaders have one of those. :-) But Gatorboard is a great solution, and thanks for some great info on designing the helix.
Laser cutters make it easy but as you can cut foamboard with a knife, you could just draw up and print out one piece and cut out, then draw roundxand use it as a template. Although the side parts are a bit harder to do 100%, I'd guess the round bits don't need 100%. Will be giving this a go.
really cool, my compliments sir
Thanks, because we were just a week ago discussing whether I should begin with the access-helix to the shadow-station.
That's very cool, really appreciate the time you spent to show how you created this great light-weight helix model. Personally, since you have the laser cutter, I'd sure like to purchase one all ready cut out in pieces vs. attempting to do this myself with an exacto knife. So, how much for one? There's a real need for these things, great job!
All the prices of the components are on the website.
Thanks, Joey! Always great instructional videos and a little "out of the box" thinking for your railroad construction. Maybe future videos on other ways to use Gatorfoam for building a model railroad , railroad structures (bridges?) , and buildings?
Great.. Their was a company years ago made a kit with 1/4 plywood. Many its time for this material gatotboard. Thk.
Can you sell this as a kit??? That is truly amazing work that you have done sir. But we all don't have access to a laser cutter like you. Can you sell this as a kit form?
Good to see you back. As usual you are thinking outside the box or circle. The enhancement materials are a great addition to the hobby. Have you had the Helix long enough to measure the expanding and contraction from humidity?
Awesome
Nice.😁
Good info great information where can I get water board?
Can it be turned into a double track helix
I don't have the skills to build one is this for sale as a kit cause I might need one on my layout if not than I'm gonna have to build something with riser kits
Outstanding Video Joey! That is some out of the box thinking for sure and appears to be top notch (I didn't expect less!). Patent for sure, heck sell those plans to folks to build their own, or perhaps you sell them online for folks! Great job as always!
I know this sounds crazy, any chance you would create for sale an “O” gauge version. Maybe I should back up and ask if this could actually support heavy “O” gauge trains?
so joeyb are going to offer the lasered out kits for sale?
I'd buy two for my layout if offered.
This is a cool system. When will 36" flex track with road bed come out. I'm surprised no manufacturer has produced it yet.
Where can we buy it
www.tracksidescenery.com
I only made one comment when watching
When the trains were doing the figure 8s out slipped the single smooth word
NICEEEE
Do you think the sections between the risers will sag over time and result in a undulating helix. I know GATORFOAM is strong stuff we used it to make a 4 piece modular layout to take to Amherst. It is very light compared to our old module and has gone through 2 shows in great shape. Getting large sheets was a little difficult. You thinking of offering it a a kit? Very interesting video.
Even large Gator 4x8 sheets I have here on the shop stay stiff, now the regular foam board (paper stock sandwiching the foam) does curl, even the smaller sheets. We use them for displays and signs here at the shop. Selling kits would be a large undertaking. Maybe templates or something who knows. Thanks for watching, much appreciated! Joey
Are you planning on making custom helix kits available to purchase using this material?
Not now, but cut templates, maybe something like that.
A Helix goes up. A Shelix goes down. Get it?! Shelix goes down? I'll tell ya, I really crack myself up sometimes! LOL
Hello and good morning what do you charge making helix
Walker supply... is this Coroplast?
No, Coroplast is for yard signs, you know, like the campaign signs on stakes.
so nice to see a video from you . been awhile.
that being said. i will be in the market for 2 helix. but i looking for 24" or 26". are you promoting the gator board? so we can make this our selves, or the actual helix ?
i checked the sites links. one is closed for updates, the other is a lot of stuff to look through.
Sparky, no I am not promoting Gator. We use a lot of it here in our print shop for a variety of jobs. There are quite a few distributors around the USA. Closest to me is Walker Supply Co in Rockville, MD and they will ship.
Trackside Scenery will you sell precut pieces or a Helix kit?
I guess it would be 2 times larger in O scale. nice job
Do you not sell a turn key kit for a complete helix with height being the only variety? Complete kits is key based on total height/levels and single or double track. This is a niche market that needs filled without breaking the bank like the helix kits on eBay which sell for - $350 - $450 each.
Our helix components have been selling amazingly well since the launch in January. The component format allows you to create a "kit" and allows the user to build the exact helix they want in terms of loops, a variety of different radiuses and heights. That was the number one key when we started researching the desires of modelers. So when you say "turn key", all you have to do is select the components you want and put them together just like any kit. If you are looking for a helix, contact us at tracksidescenery@gmail.com.
Are you thinking about selling them as kits?
They really need to. They could make a killing
Mr Richard... when you r starting selling this
Stay tuned on our facebook page at www/facebook.com/tracksidescenery or on the website itself at www.tracksidescenery.com
WOW ARE BACK LINE AGAIN AS LIKE YOUR GREAT DETAIL VIDEO ON NEW LAYOUT AND WISH to SEE the LAST LAYOUT FINISH THAT shows PUT TOGETHER AS PART START ALL TOGETHER
Great video I'm going to share it to my new Facebook group called trains across the world my gold behind the group is to bring everyone together in this world to share the love of this hobby in one place feel free to stop by and check out the group and join us
but what about 10 lb locos? you didn't show that so you must be avoiding the subject of 10 lb ho scale locos....I kid, I joke....good work, very innovative.
Actually it fell over when I put the grommet press on it, but that was about 40 pounds lol
ALL THE COMMENTS THAT WERE MADE DIDN'T SAY HOW MUCH ? LOOKS GREAT , BUT I WOULD HAVE TO DRIVE 1.5 HOUR AWAY JUST TO GET THE STUFF. OF COURSE I COULD USE UPS. I LIVE IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWERE EASTON SHORE OF MD.
I WISH I HEARD ABOUT THIS STUFF BEFORE I BUILT MINE. SOMETHING NEW EVERY DAY.
AS BEFORE GREAT JOB.
Well, try cutting it all out with a blade. The cuts aren't going to be pretty.
Using the trapezoid shape would make marking easier as it would be straight lines drawn/cut. The last one I did was a trap and cut by hand with straight edge - looked pretty good.
Ggf
Except any “kink or bend” and it’s nothing but paper. Doing this by hand will not give the same results!
This isn't the first gator helix, but the first one that I cut on the laser. The three previous - I cut by hand and they work exactly the same, just not as pretty. For "those" not familiar with these types of substrates, this material is Gatorboard and unlike foam board which is foam covered with lightweight paper stock.