Seeking some suggestions, as I am starting to plan my layout to fill a room that the exterior is 20ft x 20ft.  My plan is a double deck layout.  What is typically the best way to use the space to it's fullest use.  My isle will be min width of 24 inches.  I know if I use a helix, that will take room, and a no-lix requires run, so overall if you can suggest the best way, it will be helpful. 

Thanks,

Nate

As I design my newest model railroad I have decided that I would like an upper level that would depict a logging area. My problem is the real estate needed for a helix to get to the upper level. I only have room for an 18" to 20" radius for the helix. I realize that the tight radius also means a steeper climb. I plan on only running geared locomotives with log cars and maybe an occasional flat car or box car with supplies on the helix. Does anyone have any experience with a tight radius helix? Will it even work?

This plan appeared in the Handbook #15, Track Planning Ideas from Model Railroader, (58 track plans from past issues), multiple printings beginning in 1981.

I'm interested in posting a scan of that layout plan from my issue of that magazine, so that it might be discussed here on the forum. BUT, I can not find an active webpage reference to that track plan to make a proper link to it. 

So I suppose I can post my copy of the layout plan since I have gone to the trouble of trying to find an archived one, and given due respect to the original author/source

Now THIS is a layout in a day! He says it took him ten hours (he took an hour off for lunch, so nine hours)

This gives me some ideas for building modules.