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2 Responses to Helix Question
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For two tracks the width of the pieces are 5 inches wide. I run two double track helix on my 00 scale layout at that width with no problem made with 3rd and 4 th radius curves
I reckon that Graeme’s 5 inches might be a bit tight, especially if running long modern equipment. Sorry Graeme. This would be an acceptable baseboard track width on the straight, but one you start curving the track you will have overhang issues at the end of cars and kissing issues at their middles., both of which will derail your train. A helix needs space for each track (1.5″) plus the space between them (I recommend 3″), and a should each side of at least half that. So you are looking at a minimum of 6 – 7 inches, plus depending on your construction method somewhere for the uprights of the structure (whether wooden blocks or steel rods) to connect to the roadbed. At this width another factor comes into play and that is as the roadbed rises it naturally twists, so be aware of this and make sure the roadbed is level across this plane.
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