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Shelf layout with helix question Benchwork and roadbed
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Regular poster 131 posts toyzforme Regular poster 131 posts
toyzforme

Hey guys I have been contemplating doing a module layout but in the form of shelves.  The layout will be in a "U" shape with 2 main lines on each shelf.  I want to have one mainline going one way and the other going the opposite.  When it gets to the end of the shelf, one side will have a loop to go down the other main.  On the other side is my question er problem LOL.  I want to put a double track helix so that it would start at the lower level and then go up to the second level, make both directions on that level and then continue up to the top level, make both directions on that one.  Come back to the helix and go all the way to the lower level and continue again.

I hope that makes sense but I don't know how to go about doing the track on the helix in order to make that happen.  Sort of a continuous run but have spurs coming off on each level for different industries that will be modeled.  I like to watch the trains run and I think this would be a good way to do it.  Lower shelf would be the yard, etc.  Middle shelf would be several industries, and the upper shelf would be the plains with some mountains and towns.

I was at a train show and got turned on to the module idea as my 4x12 layout just wasn't cutting it.  After reading Joe's "Track work" ebook I discovered some huge track work issues that made me tear down my layout.  So I am hoping you guys can help me out.  Its probably simple but I just can't wrap my head around it.  Thanks Keith
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Moe line Frequent poster 631 posts
Moe line

Helix

In order to do what you want with a helix, the middle level would need the tracks to exit the helix to run through the middle level and return to the other side of the helix to continue to the top level. In order to have the continuous run, you would need loop back track with double main, or return loops for single main on each level. The helix is going to reverse your track for the opposite run on the next level. Turnouts on the helix would allow routing options for exiting on the middle level or continuing up or down to the other levels. With the double track helix, one track can be used for up and the other for down allowing two or more trains to run without fear of a collision inside the helix. With a "U" shape, you would probably want to locate the helix at one end of the "U", and the return loop on the other end, which depending on the size of the room, and door location would give you a nice walk in layout, with no duck under or lift up, or hinged sections to traverse to enter the layout room.
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toyzforme Regular poster 131 posts
toyzforme

Being as this is going to be

Being as this is going to be a N scale design I don't need a huge room.  So Moe what your saying is I will need 2 turnouts for each level.  I'm more of a visual type of person so I will have to try and draw this up to get a better grasp of it.  Thanks
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Moe line Frequent poster 631 posts
Moe line

Turnouts

The turnouts just give you some options for routing trains, so you could have a train stay on one level, or go from the very bottom level to the top level while bypassing the middle or other ways if you choose. They would not be required if every train was to traverse all three levels in the same way every trip. It is kind of hard to think in three dimensions when drawing out a track plan one a sheet of paper or even on a cad program, I have struggled with it myself on my plans for a three level HO scale layout.
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toyzforme Regular poster 131 posts
toyzforme

I guess it is going to be one

I guess it is going to be one of those things where you build the helix as you go or say complete one level.  I think I have an idea for it but won't know if it will work until I get that far in the process.  I will ask some of the guys over at our club layout this Sunday when I go.  I am currently building a 6ft module for our N scale layout so that we can make it bigger.
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