Rise And Curves Of HO Helixes Unknown

October 11, 2008

Larry has a problem with building a helix on his HO layout. If you have built a helix you might want to share your experience by helping Larry with some tips and advice. Here’s Larry…

“Hi, am planning on building a Helix for my bench and this is a new critter for me….making sure I get the correct grade as well as the correct radius or diameter of the curves. I know they have pre-made ones you can get, but it won’t work for me so am building my own……or attempting to.

I will be using 3/8 inch threaded rods for the uprights and masonite for the trackbed between them. I have been experimenting with different grade percents and plan on using a easy grade rise of about 2 inch rise for every 12 feet.

My engines are not expensive ones and it seems anything greater than that the engines have issues with.

I was wondering if anyone out there has built a helix and what rise you used and also the diameter or radius of the curves in the helix?

The widest area of my bench is 5 feet, or 60 inches, and the bench is 10 feet long and that is where I plan on putting the helix. I also have an area that is 46 inches wide x 9 feet long and I was wondering if that area would be wide enough for it?”

Help Larry by adding your comments using the green comments link below.