Re: The Helix

Posted by Keith Hayes on Nov 05, 2017; 3:12pm
URL: http://c-sng-discussion-forum.254.s1.nabble.com/The-Helix-tp9915p9965.html

Thank you, Ned and Geoff. One think I have learned from building a layout is, "keep it simple (stupid)." To paraphrase Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, "Less is more." Railroads were very simple out of necessity, and invariably it is the complicated track that gives me fits. Though I put a lot of thought into the length of my sidings, and they are too long by a locomotive length. We shall see as the layout progresses and we actually start to operate it.

The model has been very helpful. I can better see how to support the track circuits. The inner frame was designed for structural stability, and the cutouts designed for access to the helix from the inside in the event of derailments. I can see I need to reverse/ invert the cutouts on the short sides to improve access. My plan is to support the circuits from brackets off the center structure. The herniated loop appears to work well for Kokomo, and the bottom portion of the loop can be extended for some additional daylight running. I may even be able to fit in a short spur at Kokomo (KISS, darnit!). Also, the tail of the wye will work well, extending to Climax. After seeing some of the images posted in other threads, I am thinking of a row of five Sears houses at a diminishing scale on the inside of the loop to conceal the top circuit of the helix. Also, Mike Trent alerted me to Clint Crow's snow fence, and I am thinking of using a line of 1:48 snow fence at the outside edge of the spur with smaller scales to the inside to add some perspective. Excitement for this project is growing.

Another concern has to do with expansion and contraction. I have to believe that the rail will grow and shrink some in each circuit. I have been contemplating a way to file the rails to create a sliding joint to provide for seasonal temperature swings. Thinking about it now, perhaps this occurs in the short tangent sections on each circuit.

We all need some encouragement.