The Helix

[Keith Hayes]

I found I needed more parts, so cut some more trapezoid today. I neglected to show the temporary gluing process before.

Masking tape is applied to both the template and the part to be trimmed. Don't get the stuff that is marked, "won't peel paint, " because it is worthless. I got some super glue at the local hardware store. Applied a short line--don't be stingy,  but don't go overboard,  either. Clamp the parts together and wait 5-10 minutes.

The tape backing is designed to prevent paint from seeping through: same goes for the CA. Because the tape has adhesive applied very evenly across the tape,  it is great in shear, which is the force being imparted on the part by the trim blade. If you don't the CA in 4 drops in a zig-zag pattern, that will also maximize resistance to the lateral force.

When you are done, use a chisel to pry the pieces apart: the tape is less good in tension and will peel off the plywood.

[Keith Hayes]

2025 will be the march to Fremont Pass!

Crews are working uphill from Kokomo. The first surveyor was fired, as it was determined the planned grade exceeded the 2% maximum. We checked the new surveyor's chains and made sure an assistant checked all the math, and the revised alignment is just under 2% as planned.

I was going to hide the helix like everyone seems to do. When I operate on layouts where the helix is hidden,  I am forever laying on the whistle to confirm the location of the train. A while back,  the thought occurred,  why not hide the helix behind a row of trees? I can do this because the first circuit is wider than the helix radius. I am thinking this will enhance the run experience.

[Jim Courtney]

A while back, the thought occurred, why not hide the helix behind a row of trees?

I think what Keith is describing is a "low fore drop", as opposed to a "backdrop". The trees will just be high enough to mostly hide the trains, but still allow access to derailed or stalled equipment from above.

But that's going to be a whole lot of trees . . .

[Keith Hayes]

The march to Fremont Pass continues.

The roadbed is complete for a foll circuit. The grade ended up at about 1.5%, which is just fine. Next I need to plane/ sand the homabed sub roadbed to either flatten the cross sloping,  or provide just a touch of super-elevation.

This was the hard circuit,  as there was a lot of cutting and measuring and re-cutting of the risers. The next circuit will be easier because I can rely on 1x4 spacers to get the job done. Yes, Jim, this will accommodate the Ridgeway spark arrestors.

[Norm Acker]

Looking good, Keith!!

[Keith Hayes]

Not a view of the layout you all may be accustomed to.

This is the opposite side of the helix from Leadville,  the side facing Solitude. It is not pretty,  but the lights and valence are in. I only have to cut the most difficult parts around the duct.

The march to Fremont Pass continues.

[Rich Rands]

Great shot! What most of our layouts look like most of the time!
Rich Rands

[Keith Hayes]

Thanks, Rich.

I am really, really working on my layout hygiene. I visited a fabrication shop a while back and saw that they had tools and materials in boxes and bins and all were clearly labeled.

I don't know about others, but I worked out of bankers boxes for YEARS. I had models, parts, paint and tools stashed all over the place. When I would encounter a problem, or need to find my grab irons or an NBW or some 40 mil styrene, I would have to tear apart all the boxes to find the part or piece, and that takes time away from advancing the construction of the model. Plus it would be frustrating trying to remember which box I had stashed whatever in.

So...I started to invest in organization! I bought little plastic organizing trays--I have one for just NBWs, one for trucks, one for couplers. I bought the wheeled ELFA carts, and I have one tray with just track laying materials. One has tools, and one tray has sanding blocks. Two towers have scenery materials. I have one tray with dividers for strip styrene, sorted by size, and another for strip basswood. The Container Store has these on sale in January, so I always pick up a couple. During an ops session, they double as a wheeled conductors desk.

Now, when I need a part, or a piece of .030 styrene, I go right to the container or the tray, get the material I need and, presto / bingo, I am back modelling!

Long story short, you will not be able to see this view much longer. As the March to Fremont Pass continues, I will both be cleaning up the mess, disposing of old benchwork and unused wood, and building benchwork here to connect the High Line to Climax.

[Keith Hayes]

The rail head advanced 12 actual feet today, almost a full circuit!

Track is almost above Kokomo. Once the track is in and tested, I can install the sub roadbed for the final, topmost circuit.

My daughter stopped by today to hear me in the middle of the helix--This image gives you and idea about the scale of the enterprise. Kokomo will be where the tools are.

[Keith Hayes]

This just might work!

[Paul R.]

Looking good.

[Chris Walker]

Did you have hair when you started this project?

[Keith Hayes]

Chris it is quite a ways back in the way back machine to when I had hair. I don't think that number is on the dial!

[Keith Hayes]

I have long pondered the alternatives for separating the layers of the helix. Allthread, straps and nuts? 1x4? It came down to keeping it simple. I got some 1x4 and took some measurements. Roadbed,  flex track and the NMRA clearance yielded a height of 4 9/16. We'll, snap, that is 1/16 more than a 1x4, if it is truly milled to 4 1/2". Do I cheat?

Do I like Ridgeway spark arrestor?

I got the chop saw out and cut a bunch of spacers. Like many before me, my plan was to add spacers inside and out, the question being, are they offset, or across from one another? I also got out my Kreg pocket hole jig: this allows me to screw the spacers in from the top. As I test fit the spacers and the roadbed, the notion that spacers on the inside alone would be sufficient emerged.

Using the clearance gauge, I set the spacer locations and find them in place with the Kreg screws: they are very solid! I then placed and attached the roadbed, using 2 screws for each spacers block. The result is a very solid assembly that will be more than adequate to support a train.

The parts are now coming together. You can see how herniating the lowest circuit of the helix allows trains to be completely visible. Trees will cover the next two circuits, and the Climax spur will cantilever from the top with a fascia/ valence hiding lights.

The outcome is that operators will be able to see their trains most of the time while they transit the helix. This should improve 'playability' and reduce speed ups and runaways due to the visibility.

[Chris Walker]

Hey Keith,
you need more foliage... unless you went for snow cover.

Here's a shot of a real helix; that I used to run over.
https://flic.kr/p/dnjycg

[Keith Hayes]

The track advanced another 12 feet, about 3/4 of a circuit this weekend!

I can install another half-circle of plywood sub-roadbed and that will place the end of grade just outside the west yard limits of Fremont Pass!

I would say that the March To Fremont is nearly complete,  but there will be still another level of track above that just laid, which will form the yard within the Climax mine.

I guess need to think about my chain link fence and corrugated steel building skills? Oh, wait--I just finished a large steel building for a friend.

[Chris Walker]

Almost there Keith.....since you're through Kokomo....