3D helix designs

I love Junk Mar 30, 2022

  1. I love Junk

    I love Junk TrainBoard Member

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    Hi guys have two N scale layouts in 3d both layouts sizes are 1m.50cm x 75cm. using either a single helix or a twin ones I hope two be using two helix on my new build layout take a look and please be honest with opinions and comments 272861140_5302339716445883_199888172269550477_n.jpg 272893985_5293189577360897_4666524184771084170_n.jpg
     
  2. Sumner

    Sumner TrainBoard Member

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    If you are going to have one I'd go with the single so you don't loose as much space on the lower level.

    A couple thoughts:

    1. On the two helix one you are giving up a lot of layout space to have a single higher track at the back of the layout. I guess I have to ask why?

    2. The above is also true to some degree with the single helix. You end up with the single track above and if I'm seeing it right the track is only going to be about 8 inches higher than the lower level so would still block access to a lot of it on the left side.

    3. With either the train is going to spend a lot of time in the helix vs. the time traveling the upper track.

    4. What is the diameter of the helix.

    Remember that it is your RR so take it in the direction you want it to go in,

    Sumner
     
  3. I love Junk

    I love Junk TrainBoard Member

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    Hi the two helix are designed for Kato super elevated curved double track 315/282 the over all size of helix 25cm high with gradient of 2% with 51mm raise between level and its 627mm wide over all hope helps you
     
  4. Sumner

    Sumner TrainBoard Member

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    Not sure if I'm understanding all of the numbers quite right but it looks like that would be a 2.5% incline with a little over 12" radius track on the outer track. With that tight of a radius and the 2.5% incline you might have some limitations on train length. That might or might not be a problem depending on your goals.

    Sumner
     
    Last edited: Mar 30, 2022
  5. I love Junk

    I love Junk TrainBoard Member

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    Hi I only run freight wagons short wheelbase and if run a loco with carriages no more than 5 plus loco plus most of my locos are articulated likes Fleischmann Mini Trix Plus most of my American locos manage the 282 curves very well and even more so on 315 as I'm not Prototypical all well I hope lol
     
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  6. Sumner

    Sumner TrainBoard Member

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    Sounds good. I only mentioned the radius of the curves as it is harder for a loco to pull going up a curved 2% grade vs. a straight 2% grade. The tighter the radius is the harder it is to pull. There are calculators out there I believe where you can plug the radius and grade into to see the effect.

    Sumner
     
  7. I love Junk

    I love Junk TrainBoard Member

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    https://www.modelbuildings.org/heli...e14iGkKCY8-l4iZA7CXPM_UVgK87zCw2_n0ONFGOumO5o
     
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  8. I love Junk

    I love Junk TrainBoard Member

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