After spending a lot of time designing an off-layout staging loop for an adjacent closet, I've come to realize it won't work well for a number of reasons - mostly access-related. I'm back to considering the option of under-layout staging. The original N scale trackplan called a for a long 2% downgrade extending around the perimeter of the layout to get down to the staging tracks and loop. I'm exploring using a helix instead - also approx 2% grade - to drop about 6" in a compact space. My issue is it would be sited squarely underneath a section of upper-level track. Aside from the issue of insuring sufficient vertical clearance at the upper entry to the helix - I'm wondering how to support the upper track or if I should re-route that section of track somehow and make a low slope or hill to view-block the helix. I'm using extruded foam as layout base and most of the time use WS foam inclines for grades. Anyone laid track directly above a helix?
track What is the foam sitting on? A layer of ply or open grid? In either case you could simply cut a step in the foam on either side of the helix and run a piece of 1/2 inch ply as subroadbed across the top. the 1/2 inch ply should be given at least one support in the center that can come from below the helix. Or if there is enough vertical clearance you can run a 1x2 under the ply vertically. If you did that you could use thinner ply.
Ryan, That's an outstanding idea! With the very light loads in N scale I may not even need a center support..muchas gracias.. Rick
