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Building the Helix - The Base Journals/Blogs
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Regular poster 266 posts rblundon Regular poster 266 posts
rblundon

Not that long ago, I started construction of the helix for my multi-deck layout.  I had read many different variations of construction techniques, and thought I'd add mine to the list.

My helix is in an adjacent room and will have full accessibility from the inside, and 3/4 accessibility from the outside.  The method I am using is 3/4" Birch and threaded rod.  The helix spans quite a bit of real estate as it moves consists from 39" to 72" with an exit/entry at 56".  (Inner loop is from 39" to 72" and the outer loop is from 39" to 56" and 56" to 72".)  The helix is double tracked Atlas Code 100 rail with three pieces of flex track soldered together.  There are feeders approximately 180 degrees apart on every turn.

Here is the template that I created.Template.jpg 

The outside diameter of the helix is 68", and my two tracks are 32" and 29 3/4" radius.  As you can see, there will be threaded rods every 30 degrees for support.  There are six sections to each turn.  The sections are attached with a lap joint that is 5 degrees in width (there are three 5/8" wood screws).

Here is a picture of the completed base.

 < Image Coming Soon!>

This is the support I built to go under the base.  Everything is painted black now.  I used 2 x 4 "L" Legs with adjustable height rubber wheels to make it easier to level the helix.  Also due to the proximity of the helix to my furnace, I had to make it moveable for any major maintenance.

  < Image Coming Soon!>

  se_Black.JPG 

 

HO 
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ChrisNH Super User 1,277 posts
ChrisNH

Wheels

Wheels is something I contemplated as a way to deal with particular probelm in my space.. I had nixed the idea when some local modelers shook their heads at the idea. I will be VERY interested how that works out because if I can put a rolling helix in front of my septic cleanout pipe it would be a HUGE benefit to my track planning.

Why, may I ask, did you choose to paint it black?

Wasnt there a Stones song, "I see a helix and I want to paint it Black.. I see trains changing level and I want them to turn black.."

Thanks

Chris

“If you carry your childhood with you, you never become older.”           My modest progress Blog
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ptsulli Active Member 43 posts
ptsulli

Tricks on using Wheels, and still staying stable

All; one of the tricks we use in the computer field, on large equipment racks is having leveling feet that screw down,. They maintain level, and if you need to move it, you thread the feet up unitl they come off of the floor, and roll it away on the casters. (After of course, clearing all the cabling, Very carefully) I don't see why it wouldn't work for a layout. After all , some of the Sun server racks, Or Cisco network racks are 7-800 lbs (or heavier) and 7 feet tall.

The temp staging yards on the last version of my layout used a similar set up.

Just tossing out an idea

Sully Sends

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Lake Superior and Southern RR

Thank You Sully Chief cook, Bottle Washer, Gandy Dancer, and husband to the CFO Lake Superior & Southern RR
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Russ Bellinis Prolific poster 3,335 posts
Russ Bellinis

Excellent idea Sully!

As a retired mechanic, I always think in terms of locking castors like seen on roll away tool chests, but after reading your post I remembered that our new refrigerator has a similar set up with feet that screw down to the floor in front of the front castors to keep the refrigerator from moving.  To roll it out , you just screw the feet up off the floor enough to allow the wheels to roll.  It isn't necessary to have the feet actually lift any wheels off the floor; just make enough friction against the floor to keep whatever is suported by the wheels & feet to make rolling difficult and it will stay put.
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arthurhouston Prolific poster 1,154 posts
arthurhouston

Another Example of a Helix

For those looking to building a Helix please review the attached link.  It is another approach.  It may be the one that works for you.  The pictures tell the story.

http://www.grandepacificmodelrr.org/html/build_a_helix.html

 

 
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ChiloquinRuss Frequent poster 872 posts
ChiloquinRuss

Similar to your template

Here is a prototype I made for a customer using a similar method to your template.  I have a cnc router to make my pieces with but the concept is the same.  I did not slot the wood for the threaded rod, on my helix they are simply passed through.  I like your idea for the slots.  Thanks for posting.  Russ

 
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