How big is your helix?

I am in the process of designing my layout and I am curious how big a helix are you guys using? I have a space of 4'0"x 4'0" but that could be increased to 4'6"x 4'6" square for a helix. My plan is to run trains in the 20-25 car range with a very few at 30, no more than that. I use low profile wheels, and am really considering body mounting my couplers. The room that will house the layout will be 10' 6" x 27' 0". I want the biggest radius possible. It will have to be a double main helix. Would like to hear your comments on your own helix experiences. Please give the size and radius of the helix you use as well. Thanks guys.

Steve

[ January 20, 2006, 08:58 PM: Message edited by: SD452XR ]

 

Steve,
My helix is 56"X80". It's close to 2% grade
I pull 50 to 60 cars with no problems On most
trains I use ABBA "F" or"FA"'s on them. You
can see a picture of it at my railimages
Rodney

 

I have a little helix. 23.5 radiis which is working great right now. I do have it single tracked though.

 

Mine is 4 3/4 turns and 18" and 19" radius at about 1.7% and I run trains up to about 20 cars with 2 locos and they never even know its there. It can store 4 30 car trains easily and has more linial track than the whole layout. They sure eat up some rail!!! It also rises 9 3/4" from 0" and the rest of the exposed layout is 1 1/2% to 1% down hill to the hidden staging. It is wood on threaded rod supports with adjusting nuts and inside a mountain I can stand in.



Mike

 

wow Mike! How about some pics of the rest of the layout?

Tim

 

Thanks Tim , Here is a link to the layout.
And Steve good luck on the Helix!

http://www.fiferhobby.com/html/mike_fifer_s_albuquerque_carnu.html

Mike

 

I have four helixes, some sharing the same footprint, to get trains between levels.

The largest has five tracks with an innermost radious of 21.5" with a 4" rise per turn.

 

I've just started building mine (which is in a closet). 6.5 turns. 20" total rise, max grade is 2.9% (inside track). Inside radius is 17", outside radius is 18.5" (double track helix). The railhead to railhead rise from turn to turn is 3 1/8"

I using wood "plates" that fit the closet and have a large hole cut out in the middle (so I can stand inside). I'm using 1/4" threaded rod for support.

 

Great photo's of the layout Mike.


Stay cool and run steam......

 

Nice indeed!

 

Thanks Bob and Mike. By the way Bob , What is Steam??? LOL
Please don't hit me with a stick !!!!

Mike