Helix construction, part 1: Roadbed

Helix construction how-to that shows you the steps for building the roadbed in a model railroad helix. See part 2, Trackwork, for how to lay and join the track.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Helix construction
• model railroad helix

[slendersausage]

Can I ask how it rises up with each full circle of the helix - thanks

[JeffJohnston]

@slendersausage Hi, the wood blocks separating the levels are about 3" tall, so combined with the 1/2-inch plywood subroadbed, that's about 3-1/2 inches of rise per turn. That may not be enough clearance for modern equipment such as double stacks, but for our 1920s-vintage steam era equipment, it fits just fine.

-Jeff

[battman5]

How didi you get the first layer at the right incline all the way around?

[HillsideModelRailway]

Great video, very well presented you have given me the inspiration required to have a go and make a helix on my small British layout. Thanks a lot!!

[rouzzeau]

très bonne pédagogie Dominique

[mattmaz2]

Thanks - very helpful for my Helix project that I've just embarked on :-)

[strips2006]

Great video and very informative. I really like your idea with mixing the glues. 

[profklyzlr]

Jeff, might want to use the 'Link Video' function, so that the viewer can simply 'follow the link' to Part2?

[2sk21]

Very nicely demonstrated and narrated. Looks professionally produced.