Alan would like help from readers with planning his O scale layout:

“I am about to build a model railroad helix in o-scale. I have found a woodworking house to cut the segments employing something called a c in C machine. I am opting to use a full sheet of plywood and since I need 10 segments to raise the train four feet, between the purchase of the plywood and the cutting, it is quite costly, so before proceeding I thought I would ask for your insight. Additionally, I request you provide me with an opinion on what O-scale track to use? I intend to run this along my ceiling and need approximately 200 linear feet plus the curved track for the helix. Lastly what radius of curved track would you use? Any assistance/insight you provide will be most appreciated!”

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Gary sent in this question for readers:

“I have now used a helix design tool, but need to know how to transfer it to a 4’x8′ sheet of plywood.
Any available conversion to a full size pattern?”

Here is a link to a free helix design tool.

Brock sent in this question for others to comment on:

“I would like to have a goods yard on my British Railways OO/HO layout. Any Advice?”

Unfortunately this question is rather vague so it will be hard for readers to provide good answers. Perhaps Brock could add some more specific details in the COMMENTS under this post.

Rebecca asks this:

“My brother loves N scale, and has purchased models and equipment to customize. He is disabled, in a wheelchair and deaf, and tech-shy, so he does no email, but can communicate well by text. His manual nerve damage makes model building difficult. Does anyone know of a model railroad builder, especially in the Sacramento/NoCal area, who might be willing and able to do model work to his specs professionally?”

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Steve is planning to build that is divided into three modules and would like some words of wisdom from those in the know:

“At long last, I am going to start an HO layout(s). When I was young, my dad wanted to have a layout – he bought a lot of components, but we never got around to it. My kids are grown and grandkids are coming, so I want to do a layout for them. I would like to do the layout in 3 components so that when the time comes, each of the kids can have a layout. The question(s) are how do I start and do you have any suggestions for 1 large layout that can be set up to be split.  I have an area about 12×15 for the layout(s).”

If you have a question you would like the Blog Moderator to consider for publication, you can submit it using any one of the ASK A QUESTION links on this blog. Please check and proofread your question before submitting it to ensure it is clear and has sufficient information with enough details to prompt quality answers.

Chip is hoping a reader might be able to supply some advice:

“I plan on building a helix for my HO layout. However, instead of building it circular, I am going to build it in an oval. Has anyone got a formula or a plan that would help me plan out what I need to do?”

David is hoping someone can help with this:

“I am working on building a 1970’s HO Badger paper mill on the Peshtigo river. This particular project includes a dam, gate control house and a hydroelectric plant besides the papermill. I am looking for a source of plans with measurements for a dam. Can be any scale, All my photos have zero info regarding the measurements. From what I can determine from the state’s highway department that the bridge crossing the river a little-ways away is 500 feet long. There are no pictures, that I can locate, of the dam itself. There are snippets of the gate house and powerhouse, but none of the actual dam with the gates or mechanisms. Reference sites would be helpful.”