Re: The Helix

Posted by Doug Tagsold on Nov 05, 2017; 5:57pm
URL: http://c-sng-discussion-forum.254.s1.nabble.com/The-Helix-tp9915p9969.html

Keith, regarding the expansion / contraction issues, the issue is more the wood roadbed is changing size than the rail, regardless, that can be a problem.  In the past helix's I have built in HO standard gauge layouts, I always uses 3 ft. lengths of flex track in the helix, and only attached (spiked) the track to the roadbed at the ends of the flex track sections, allowing the middle portions of the track to "float" on the roadbed, moving as needed, but always still keeping an even curve.  I also soldered the joints between the sections of track, guaranteeing that no kinks formed at these locations.  Doing this, I never had any expansion / contractions problems with the track in the helix.  

I know you prefer to hand lay your track, but using flex track in the hidden portions of your helix may prevent future problems from arising.

Doug Tagsold