Thursday Night Trains
Work progressed on the helix and the start of the
lower level trackwork this past Thursday night.
My brother David came to visit us this weekend
and helped me work on the layout this last Thursday. While the guys are working
on the helix, I had David start on making templates for the lower level. The
portion of the trackplan that I call Cassens Transport, which will be an
autorack unloading facility was printed on a large format plotter in 1:1 scale.
The first step is to use the printout to make a template to cut the plywood
subroadbed. I had him mark a line about 1/2" to 3/4" away from the ballast
profile. Here he is working in the
garage.
Meanwhile, John and Charlie were working on the helix. This helix is going to be 6.5 turns with a double track mainline. The inside track will be 17" radius while the outer track will be 18 1/2". Using righthand running for operations, this will equate to 2.7% upgrade and 2.9% downgrade. The helix levels will be about 3 1/8" apart.
This helix is being built inside a closet. My friend John, better known in model railroad circles as "Helix Hardy" has built 4 prior helices. This will be number 5, and the first one he has built in a closet. He lets me know this will be a challenge. The first steps were to cut the decks and load them into the closet. Using 1/4" threaded rod as the supports, the whole assembly will be lifted up so that the support benchwork at the bottom and the first turn can be properly set. The other turns will be "compressed" up the rods and roadbed and track laid on the first level. The next turn will be run down and brought into place, joined with the first level using some metal straps. The process will be repeated, basically setting the level and laying track as we go up the helix. Both John and I can stand comfortably in the middle of the helix, it's crawling under it to get to the hole in the middle that presents the challenge. At least my knees are young enough yet not to complain too much!
Meanwhile, John and Charlie were working on the helix. This helix is going to be 6.5 turns with a double track mainline. The inside track will be 17" radius while the outer track will be 18 1/2". Using righthand running for operations, this will equate to 2.7% upgrade and 2.9% downgrade. The helix levels will be about 3 1/8" apart.
This helix is being built inside a closet. My friend John, better known in model railroad circles as "Helix Hardy" has built 4 prior helices. This will be number 5, and the first one he has built in a closet. He lets me know this will be a challenge. The first steps were to cut the decks and load them into the closet. Using 1/4" threaded rod as the supports, the whole assembly will be lifted up so that the support benchwork at the bottom and the first turn can be properly set. The other turns will be "compressed" up the rods and roadbed and track laid on the first level. The next turn will be run down and brought into place, joined with the first level using some metal straps. The process will be repeated, basically setting the level and laying track as we go up the helix. Both John and I can stand comfortably in the middle of the helix, it's crawling under it to get to the hole in the middle that presents the challenge. At least my knees are young enough yet not to complain too much!
Posted: Sat - February 18, 2006 at 01:27 PM
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Published On: Feb 18, 2006 01:27 PM
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Published On: Feb 18, 2006 01:27 PM