I think it comes down to personal preference. If you feel that it takes away from the scenery, then cover it. If you think its fine as it is then don't worry. I feel that at the end of the day, it's your layout, you spent the money, you put in the time building it. 😉
@JamminDriverTampa
8 жыл бұрын
You could also make the fascia removable using z-clips. You can get those at hobby stores in the picture framing section of the store.
@tonypritchett1759
8 жыл бұрын
That's a tough one. I like it covered because it gives a sense that the train leaves the scene to parts unknown. It later returns on the lower level in a different scene. However the open helix would make it easier for track maintenance.
@sparky107107
8 жыл бұрын
first off the western helix is a far better design , great job on that , the way you have the western helix , I myself would do a back drop in behind it and make it look like a long run through the dessert ,with other senery added also . I just think it look great trains running and with the scene behind it , would look great ,, my opinion , you do great videos ,, thanks for sharing , and keep them coming
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
8 жыл бұрын
+sparky107107 Thanks. I like your suggestion for adding a backdrop to the levels of the helix. It's definitely doable. We'll see. ....Roy
@uptrains
8 жыл бұрын
i'd leave it open.i like to see the train running.
@sjrailroad1101
7 жыл бұрын
I like the open helix. it is very well done and you can hardly tell it's a helix. I have seen man different helix design, even. working on one myself. alot of them are open. the reasons given is always the same as you described. I don't see why it should be hidden. a good railroad should show how it works.
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much. I appreciate your comment. I anticipate that we will let go our compulsion to hide our helixes in the future, and more and more we will begin to leave them open. ...Roy
@brianrayner676
7 жыл бұрын
I am currently in the design stages of an open helix. it will be built as a bridge with pillars and girders. As for the hidden helix here are some thoughts. First you could make the top removable. If you recess it that will help it blend in. also you could add sliding windows made from lexan. This would allow access and give your visitors a show. If you inset the windows they can be hidden for a more realistic look by fabricating flush mount covers that match the facia. FYI, helix use in rail isn't unheard of. Check out the rocky mountain spiral tunnels.
@PsychicLord
8 жыл бұрын
A great video, and helpful as it helped me with the planning of my new layout which will be my retirement project. Having seen both the 'hidden' and 'open' options, I have decided that 'hidden' will be my preferred choice. This is partly due to the fact that I shall be modelling a suburban passenger themed layout, and can use the helix (not sure if one, two or three yet), as a means to 'hide' a train in service. Keep up the good work! David.
@rc4lifebnsf
8 жыл бұрын
I like the hidden helix with the trap doors, because i love it when i see the train come out of the long tunnel. Great layout
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this topic. I sppreciate it. ...Roy
@21phaedra
7 жыл бұрын
I like you showing them I feel they add so much interest. I live on an Australian railway the "Blue Mountains Railway " where two helix es in real life would probably have saved time, lives and engineering angst. We now have about eight tunnels replacing two huge zigzags which have become a great tourist attraction. Love your videos
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your comment, Phaedra. And thank you for subscribing. ...Roy
@upsd402
8 жыл бұрын
Nice work.
@MikeCurtis7663
8 жыл бұрын
Nice video and lots of great information! I plan on having two helixes in my layout, one open one and an oval in the staging room and the other will be the layout itself as it is a layout with lots of changes in elevation (mostly down in one direction and mostly up in the other). This will allow me to show trains as the go from Burnside, KY to Chattanooga, TN on the Central Division of the NS. There will be one nod under and that will be the huge New River bridge to get into the layout.
@PeterCPRail8748
8 жыл бұрын
Great way of designing your western helix. Well thought out.
@NSTrainFan
7 жыл бұрын
Have you thought about putting a photo frame with the glass where the hatches are for the enclosed helix? That way it can easily be removed for maintenance and allow you and your guest to view the trains working the helix.
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you for that suggestion. I like it, and it sounds like it would be easy to do. I've been planning to open up the enclosed helix with hatches for viewing and maintenance, but a photo frame with glass would both look nice and would help keep any dust out of the helix (although my layout room is normally quite clean). Thanks again. ...Roy
@NSTrainFan
7 жыл бұрын
You could put velcro around the back of it so that it would be easily removable and sturdy when attached.
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
7 жыл бұрын
That's a great idea! I will certainly keep it in mind.
@espeemike3698
8 жыл бұрын
Progress on your layout coming along great! Definitely keep your west helix open. On your east helix, I would cut a couple of windows for access. I would then make over size panels, and attach them with Velcro strips for easy access. Looking forward to seeing your progress. Mike
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
8 жыл бұрын
+michael burleson Thanks, Michael. I have been thinking about cutting "windows' in the fascia on the eastern helix, as you mentioned. In fact, I wish I done that before installing the fascia on the layout. ...Roy
@paulsharpe3794
6 жыл бұрын
Hi lovely layout I think open and paint a basic back drop but at the end of the day it's YOUR layout
@4ennout2
8 жыл бұрын
I am going to leave mine open (at least for now), eventually putting a clear plastic shield to protect it from unwanted fingers. I bought my kit from the same manufactures as you. Was not an easy build. I used peco flex track, if I was to ever build one again, I would use kato track like you did.
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
8 жыл бұрын
+MWRR R I believe it is a wise decision to leave your helix open, as you plan to do. No, definitely, it isn't as easy to put together the helix kits as I thought it would be. We have to follow the instructions very carefully, and even then, it's possible to make a mistake as I did when assembling my helix. But not having to cut out all those pieces sure saved me a lot of stress and aggravation. The helix on your layout certainly looked familiar when I watched your videos. I also believe using Kato track on a helix is a lot easier than using flex track. At least that was my experience when using flex track in the past.
@MidnightVisions
8 жыл бұрын
Helix's are generally not realistic, and the MDF board is not pretty to look at at the best of times, but they do provide a service to the layout. Its all about how you integrate things into the layout that determines their aesthetic value. If the helix is just bare MDF, cover it up. If you make the helix look like real life structure, such as a tunnel or bridge, then open it up and display it. As you say there is also your physical condition to bend, stoop or crawl under. Perhaps a chair with wheels on it to roll under the helix is a better method than bending or stooping. Overall its all about the balance between design, and you, what is financially affordable and what you are physically capable of doing.
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
8 жыл бұрын
+MidnightVisions Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic. I especially appreciate your idea about using a chair with wheels to roll under the helix and layout. In fact, I've been doing this while installing wiring, and it makes life a lot easier. I built the lower level of my layout at 48 inches above floor level to be able to do this. ...Roy
@jacko9759
8 жыл бұрын
Roy, THANKS for the idea as I have been trying to design a layout that has two levels and wanted some way to move from one to the others, I have seen some great idea but all involved tunnels and bridges that are not prototypical to the area I'm modeling and your idea of an open helix is great, I like you idea and plan to use it too, the backdrop is good too, Thanks again Jack
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
8 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Jack. I believe you'll be happy with the open helix design. ...Roy
@mattsynth
4 жыл бұрын
I vote show the helix. I hate when trains disappear into the abyss helix.
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
4 жыл бұрын
Hi Matt! Thanks for watching and commenting. In subsequent videos, I showed how I opened the fascia at the Eastern Helix, such as this one: kzitem.info/news/bejne/zo57x5qvcJZya6A ...Roy
@azmike4202
7 жыл бұрын
I like the open helix idea better. You can always use a cloth curtain, maybe on magnets or velcro to attach it to the fascia.
@kd0r
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video. I really wish you'd also showed us what it's like to wait for a train to climb the hidden helix without looking though the viewing door.
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
8 жыл бұрын
+David Heinsohn Thanks, David. Perhaps I can do that in a future video.
@collinsullivan1517
7 жыл бұрын
I like the idea of the open helix. It has several advantages. The helix on my layout is quite big, and hidden. The size of the oval is 4' X 7' with six levels that climb 16" between the two decks. There are two tracks up and two tracks down with the inner most radius at 19". Depending on the speed, trains can take up to 4-5 minutes to go through the helix. I don't have much trouble with most of my trains. I've run as many as 70 cars behind 3 Intermountain Railway F units. I do however wish I had made some better decisions in the design and some of the track work is in need of redoing. Once in a while I mount my GoPro camera inside the helix and monitor the image on my cell phone. Before the upper deck is permanently installed above the helix I plan to give the track a careful working over to make it as reliable as possible. As it is it does have its headaches. Anytime something goes wrong it's always in the helix. By the way, very nice video!
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
7 жыл бұрын
Wow, Collin, your helix is huge. My open, oval helix measures 2 and 1/2 feet by 5 feet, and my closed helix is 3 feet by 3 feet. To tell you the truth, I think helixes are a big headache, and I'd rather not have them on my layout. But, in a limited space, they seem to be a necessary evil, in order to get from level to the next. ...Roy
@collinsullivan1517
7 жыл бұрын
If they can be made to be reliable I don't mind them. Mine after all has allowed me to double the size of my layout and include many features I would otherwise not have space for. I'll be very happy to get my lower deck complete so I can start on the upper deck. Happy Railroading my friend!
@chazco
5 жыл бұрын
Leave the helix open. After watching the changes to White Mountain in your later videos, open is better. Chuck
@christopherbecker2512
7 жыл бұрын
I've recently became a fan of helix's on layouts. I like the open helix idea because to me is kind of fascinating to me to watch the train navigate them and then there is the accessibility issue which seems to have its advantages. Love the video!
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching and commenting, Christopher. I appreciate it. I'm glad you like the video. ...Roy
@rogerpalmer7679
8 жыл бұрын
i like the open helix myself.
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
7 жыл бұрын
Me, too, Roger. It's exasperating when a derailment or uncoupling occurs in the helix, and I have to get in there to fix the problem. I'm probably going to open up the helix by cutting holes in the fascia. Or I may even try to bypass the helix altogether by building long, gradual inclines from the upper to lower levels. ...Roy
@davidrarig5922
8 жыл бұрын
Good video, Roy. As you know I have a helix on my layout (actually two of them) and both of them are hidden, though I confess I would like to have a remote camera in there to see what's going on! The grade on the longest helix is 2.9 % with a rise of 2 1/2" per turn for a total elevation difference of about 12" (4 1/2 turns). I used the same Kato 13.7" radius track that is on your outer track. With the 2 1/2" rise and 1/2" sub-roadbed it will clear a tri-level auto rack car, but I have never tried a double stack. The longest train I have pulled up the grade was 30 cars (40 ft. mostly) using 4 small diesel units, anything longer results in "daisy-chaining" and cars crashing to the floor - not a pleasant sound!
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
8 жыл бұрын
+David Rarig David, other model railroaders have used cameras to see what's going on in their helixes and hidden staging/storage yards. Some have even used mirrors. The sound of cars crashing to the floor is definitely not a pleasant experience. Nor is the sound of runaway cars that have uncoupled spontaneously from their locomotives. None of my cars have crashed to the floor yet, but I have placed a removable, net-like material at the bottom of my hidden helix just in case. Many modelers put a low "wall" along the edges of their helixes. The "fascia" on my open helix serves this purpose. ...Roy
@brianrayner676
7 жыл бұрын
N-Scale Union Pacific Evanston Subdivision A locomotive out back and one in the middle will help with your uncoupling issues. Or just run two up front and TRO out back if you prefer.
@Longshadowsmodeltrees
8 жыл бұрын
Your helix's look good Roy, hidden or not. Bob, longshadowsmodeltrees.com
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
8 жыл бұрын
+Widi1956 Thanks, Bob. It's always good to read your comments. ...Roy
@colnagocowboy
7 жыл бұрын
mike fifer, fifer hobbies, put a camera in his helix and a small monitor outside to view trains inside
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
7 жыл бұрын
You're right, William. I've seen that video, and I think it's a great idea. ...Roy
@chronus1015
7 жыл бұрын
Use removable panels that when you are in the mood, can watch the train work its way around the helix, (and its handy for access for derailments and general maintenance) or put the panels back to hide it if the mood says to or you have guests ect and wish it not to be see. However, after all the work that goes into building one of these dang functional contraptions why would you want to hide it. They are amazing!!
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
7 жыл бұрын
Certainly, panels would work, but I agree with you: If we build them well and they look nice, why should we want to hide them?! ...Roy
@christopherorourke6543
3 жыл бұрын
Helixes I would have them open so I can see if there is a problem. If I have to go with helixes, I would have mine open & at the same time have the illusion of a spiral tunnel inside or a stone arch bridge like on some European railroads in the Swiss Alps.
@randysrockandrollrailroad8207
7 жыл бұрын
Do you have a video of the open helix build? If not that ok , would love to build one like that
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks for asking, Randy! Unfortunately, I didn't film the actual construction of the helix. I wish I had. Back then, I wasn't doing very much filming. I do have a couple of photos, and I may be able to put together a video describing the construction and the advantages of an open helix. Your comment has given me this idea, and I appreciate it. ...Roy
@WestSenecaValleyRailroad
2 ай бұрын
I definitely like the open oval helix design. Seems like a more effective setup and gives you a great opportunity for more scenery.
@jackvan2732
7 жыл бұрын
i like to see trains running and not hidden ,tunnels are short,helixes are long .who wants to hear only that is my two cents .
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
7 жыл бұрын
That's so true, Jack. On my layout, I certainly would prefer to have no helixes and no tunnels. ...Roy
@markdebsauzzietravels
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Guys I'm thinking of building a helix BUT I'm thinking of a spiral helix and that way you can easily landscape it to look more of a mountain and there for exposed with maybe a few tunnels around the outside here and there for a bit of contrast ??? "I like to watch the trains as that is what it's all about" . Can some one answer why nobody uses a spiral helix as a mountain scene ?? I think it is a great way to add some depth to a project and maybe even a water scene, anyway just my 2 cents worth. Thanks for the vid :) Cheers Mark
@dougdilley8115
8 жыл бұрын
Very good video Roy. Thanks for sharing. I personally like your idea of the exposed helix. My thoughts are, even though it's exposed, you could still add some shallow background scenery on the track board and the masonite backdrop, especially in the areas of L-brackets. This might give the illusion that your trains are really traveling the prototypical spans between destinations. The wait between train travel from one track level to the other might be more enjoyable to watch. I'm interested in your opinion of the Ashlin helix you purchased. Thanks again.
@wrbergner
4 жыл бұрын
Keep it open, especially for maintenance issues
@PeterCPRail8748
8 жыл бұрын
Great way of designing your western helix. Well thought out.
@davidcsmith8098
7 жыл бұрын
You can have some hidden bet not all hiden. You can try to dived it up and put sepret areas of different seens in it. And some hgiden area and go to a different seen.
@randysrockandrollrailroad8207
6 жыл бұрын
Hey Roy, I was looking back on some of your videos and came across this one, and can see kinda how you built it, when I build my hilex I'm going to use this type of design, thanks for sharing
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
6 жыл бұрын
I'm glad you found some of my older videos, Randy. They're a kind of record of my progress on the layout. The one about helixes has been very popular. I think you are making a wise decision by building an open helix. ...Roy
@nrandel1
6 жыл бұрын
First time I've heard about an enclosed helix, however, I admire folks that think outside the box. If it wasn't for you folks advances in technology wouldn't be possible. Your open helix is nice looking, very sleek & neat. Thanks for sharing and am now a subscriber.
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for watching and commenting. I'm very happy with my open helix, and I think I will learn to love the other helix, once I make some modifications. ...Roy
@123kickitt
6 жыл бұрын
very informative... Thanks for sharing. I'll try to do something similar in HO scale in a 20x24 room
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching and commenting on this video. I really appreciate it. I certainly am convinced that an open helix is preferable to a hidden one. ...Roy
@johnhealy4647
6 жыл бұрын
I'm with you, unhidden. For viewing and most importantly, maintenance/re-railing.
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
6 жыл бұрын
Absolutely, John. If you've just got to have a helix, then it's best to leave it open for viewing and maintenance. ...Roy
@bruceritchie3874
7 жыл бұрын
G'day Roy, thanks for the reply. To answer the difficult question about geographical location for the new layout, I'm thinking of either heading north into Montana around Helena, or going west and taking on a modest section of Feather River. Like most track plans in their infancy this location could change. I will keep you "in the loop" (pardon the pun.... loop, helix). Cheers Bruce.
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
7 жыл бұрын
Hi Bruce! There seems to be an infinite number of geographic locations for our layouts. For my first layout back in the 1980's, I chose the hills and valleys of central Pennsylvania where I grew up. But I've always been intrigued by the deserts and semi-arid areas of the western U.S. So this time around, southwestern Wyoming/northeastern Utah became the setting for my layout. Part of the fun of the hobby is learning about the geography and history of the area we've chosen to model, railroad operations in that area, and trying to capture "the feel" of that area. Montana or the Feather River area sound great. In time, I'd love to know which geographic area you settle on and why. ...Roy
@rubenvillanueva5107
6 жыл бұрын
An Open Helix, is my vote. It was interesting to watch as the unit navigates so effortlessly through the curves. I guess the inside facia could have a mural like mountain scene painted on. Hay algun Miguel Anjelo, en Panama? (Is there a Michael Angelo, in Panama?) Well done, i am viewing the videos you have posted, excellent presentations!
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your comment, Ruben. I really appreciate it. One of the things I like best about the open helix is that you can continue to watch trains while they're in the hellx. By contrast, trains disappear from sight for what seems like long period of time in a hidden helix. Besides, it's much, much easier to fix derailments and clean the track in an open helix. Michael Angelo? Hmm, I used to know someone by that name, but I haven't seen him in many years. I suspect there are quite a few "Michael Angelos" in Panama. ...Roy
@ItsMyRailroad
6 жыл бұрын
Hi Roy, I am thinking about going double deck. I have an area about 2'X3' to run an open helix (I really like the open helix btw). In your opinion, is a 2x3 big enough to run a helix? The transition would be from about 60" deck top to 36" deck top. Thanks
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
6 жыл бұрын
Steve, I'm pretty sure you could create a helix in that space, although you probably would be limited to N-scale track not exceeding an 11-inch radius. I think most engines will run okay on 11-inch radius track. The minimum radius of track on my layout is 13 and 3/4 inches. I look forward to seeing how your helix turns out. ...Roy
@glennertel50
7 жыл бұрын
I very much enjoy your videos... as for the helix, I like you prefer them to be open. Keep on running trains.
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Glenn. I appreciate your comment. Keep on watching, because I have lots of ideas for more videos. ...Roy
@Mercatoyd
7 жыл бұрын
Another great video Roy, I love the idea offered by Sparky107107 about adding a backdrop to the Western Helix. I like the design of that helix also. For me that design appears to be trackage going somewhere..The oval has to be easier to run as well as the train can straighten out before going into the next curve. The Eastern Helix as all round helix seem to just get the job done and it is exciting to watch similar to viewing an amusement ride or a marble rolling around and down into a funnel. This is just my opinion as you asked from your viewers. Keep up the good work. Tom
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Tom. I agree. I like Sparky107107's idea as well. I'm thinking about doing something like that in the "hidden" staging yard as well. Of course, the biggest advantage of the open Western helix is that it allows much easier access to the trains in case of derailments and to the track for cleaning. And yes, even though both helixes ascend at a 2 percent grade, trains seem to have an easier time of it on the Western helix. The Eastern helix can be accessed by crawling under the layout, but that's no fun. So I'm thinking about cutting openings in the fascia that hides the Eastern helix. I would love to see a trend away from trying to hide our helixes in model railroading, leaving them open for access and viewing instead. Thanks for sharing your opinion. I really appreciate it. ...Roy
@jefflizotte4758
7 жыл бұрын
I like your western helix the best.What rise per ft in n scale is it for two per cent grade?Love all your videos.Thank you
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Jeff. I appreciate your comment. The lower and upper levels of my layout are separated by 8 inches. So, at a 2 percent grade, it takes 32 feet of track length to get up those 8 inches. That's a fairly gentle grade. Even so, if I want to haul more than 10 or 12 cars up the grade, I need to use a lashup of at least 2 diesels. That's okay, though, because I prefer to run my trains headed up by multiple units. I'm hoping to do an update on the western helix, describing how I built it. I do have some photos of the construction but very few videos, because I was just learning about filming my layout at about that time.I'll see what I can do. ...Roy
@WestSenecaValleyRailroad
3 жыл бұрын
I like the idea of an open helix like your Western one. For one thing, you can potentially put a lot of "false front" scenery in it to give you the impression of a train passing through rural / open country. If I'm going to put that much resources into track work for a helix, why not make it a visual feature instead of just a functional one. I love the look of your layout! It's inspiration for some ideas on how I am hoping to work on mine.
@TheDrummerman1951
6 жыл бұрын
I am going to leave my open.
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
6 жыл бұрын
I think you will be pleased by your decision. ...Roy
@randysrockandrollrailroad8207
7 жыл бұрын
What kind of L bracket did you use on the open helix?
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
7 жыл бұрын
They're just 2" brackets that I picked up at a hardware store, Randy. The most important thing is to measure carefully and space them correctly when installing them, so as to maintain the same 2 percent grade all the way up the helix and to keep the space between each level equidistant. The biggest advantage of an open helix is that it allows us to clean the track easily and fix any derailments or unwanted uncouplings that might occur in the helix. ...Roy
@WestsideRailfan41
6 жыл бұрын
An open helix seems to be the most logical choice in terms of operations and aesthetics! Ken.
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
6 жыл бұрын
So true, Ken. I would never again construct a hidden helix. ...Roy
@derekalexander4030
5 жыл бұрын
N scale and only 8 inches between levels in a 12 x 10 area should give you plenty of distance to eliminate the helixes. Even though they do add running time to the mainline I prefer not to use them. You could easily eliminate the two doors you are dealing with by using a curtain and then do an around the walls layout with one lift gate and it would allow you to extend the peninsula further into the room with no more gymnastics at our tender young ages. Lol.
@robertschworm6036
6 жыл бұрын
Hi Roy, I like your open Helix. I revolve 3.5 turns , up just 12 inches, in S gage, with 2 tracks. I am considering a curtain of double folded low loft batting against the pilasters and l brackets as a internal backdrop. Then paint it earth brown as well as the sub roadbed. Perhaps a narrow strip of batting on the leading edges of the rises. I am trying for a train climbing a mountain up an outer ridge of the mountain.. About 16 inches up, I will cap the inner diameter of the pilasters and continue up with some sort of scene - perhaps more mountain, or beacon. The helix delivers the train to a 29 foot x 18 inch upper shelf that has a right angle at 16 feet. From there a turnaround at the end sends the train back. Getting back into American flyer after about 40 years! Bob
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your comment, Robert. The idea of using a curtain to hide your helix sounds like a very interesting and unique way to hide your helix. I like this idea. Thanks for sharing it. ...Roy
@robertschworm6036
6 жыл бұрын
Roy, I was considering to line the inner core of the helix so you would view the train on the incline with this earthy backdrop behind it. Take some low loft batting, and double it over as it is a bit thin. Paint it an earth brown while it is laying down flat on a worksurface. then attach it to the inner core , in front of the pilasters, covering the L brackets. At the top of the pilasters, at the 16 inch level, place a circular disk over the tips of the supports. you can then have a scene on top of the helilx, sort of like your white mountain. that is my thought anyway Bob
@customwoodworketc1046
5 ай бұрын
Open
@robertvredenburg5095
6 жыл бұрын
I believe I like the open better. I like being able to see the trains.
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
6 жыл бұрын
I certainly agree, Robert: open is better. And one of the reasons that it better is precisely because you can see the trains. When trains seem to disappear for long periods of time, it can be frustrating to visitors, and to you, too. ...Roy
@tonyromano6220
Жыл бұрын
No.
@jasonhowe1697
7 жыл бұрын
realistically if you were to copy actual load count of 100 cars or more you would likely do a 4-5/3-4/4-5 loco depending on weight of cargo.. front set pullers, middle set power, rear set pushers..
@Vman7757
7 жыл бұрын
I love your idea. I have two helix's to use. I have the same kit. I think I will try this. Thanks.
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Vincent. Helixes seem to be a "necessary evil" for getting from one level to another on our layouts, especially when we don't have enough space for a long, gradual incline. Best of luck as you continue to work on your helixes. ...Roy
@Vman7757
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks back. I enjoy your videos. They are informative.
@jonjon42112
6 жыл бұрын
both
@EWLR89
6 жыл бұрын
Your open helix is an interesting idea, and one I haven't thought of before. If the spacing between helix levals was a little more, LED lights and scenery could be installed. Also if the bottom loop used a large radius, the middle with a medium radius, the top with your minimum radius and built the benchwork accordingly, one would have 3 levels accessible from the top for towns and switching.
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for your comment. I really appreciate it. I built the hidden helix first, and then a year later, I built the open one. I learned a lot from the first one that I was able to apply to the second one, and the most important thing I learned was just how important it is to be able to access the track in a helix easily for track cleaning and fixing derailments. This is so important that I'm thinking about ripping out the first helix. ...Roy
@bruceritchie3874
7 жыл бұрын
G'day Roy, thanks for your video on the Helix exposed or hidden. I'm building my first N Scale layout in 17 years. The last layout would have connected to the eastern end of your layout. Yep I took on Cheyenne, a 30 X 15 foot exhibition layout taking in Cheyanne and the run up Sherman. We did about50 shows in several Australian states before retiring the layout in 2001. Now I'm building a modest 20 X 4 foot modular layout for home use. I will be attempting construction of my first Helix and the dilemma you had about exposing or hiding is also my own. I think Chronus 101 has a great compromise to the issue and this is probably the road I'll head down. Thanks again for your video as the U.P. slogan goes "We can handle it". Cheers, Bruce
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Bruce. I appreciate your comments about helixes. I included two of them when designing and building my layout, not because I wanted to, but because they were a "necessary evil." I'm not fond of helixes, especially if the track in them is inaccessible, but at the same time, I didn't want to have any duck-unders on my layout. You've done Cheyenne in the past. Are you planning to do the same geographic area in your new layout? ...Roy
@bigdon1a1
6 жыл бұрын
curious you say that both are @ a 2percent grade, I would think that the elongated oval would reduce that.
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
6 жыл бұрын
You may be right, Don.I’m not sure what effect elongating the helix might have on the percent of rise. I can only say that I started the first level of the helix with a 2-percent Woodland Scenics incline all the way around. ...Roy
@bigdon1a1
6 жыл бұрын
what ever the difference it is I am sure that it is negligeable
@christopherinch90
6 жыл бұрын
Is it possible that because the oval track has a tighter radius that the longer sides allow for an increase in length to match the total distance when compared to the circular helix? Just a thought. Also love your work on both, they are very professionally executed. I would be proud to have a track such as yours. Nice work 👍
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Christopher. That's very kind of you. I believe you are right about the grade on the helix. To set the grade, I started out on the first level using a Woodland Scenics 2 percent incline. However, I've just now measured the grade using a Clinometer app on my iPhone, and it's showing me that the actual grade is significantly less than 2 percent, generally between 1.2 and 1.4 percent. This may be because the helix is oval shaped, and it may be because the outer track has a wider radius than the inner track, as you suggest. I'm not sure, but I can tell you that trains pulled by 2 Kato diesels can easily pull 25 or 30 cars up the grade. ...Roy
@bettyboomboxdixon
6 жыл бұрын
You Have a Amazing Layout & Seeing The Trains in Action On The Open Helix is Amazing, You Would Have Total Control Of Your Trains & The Most important Part , I Made It Too the Top & the Bottom Having Enjoyment !!!
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
6 жыл бұрын
Thank you, my friend. Model railroading is so much fun. ...Roy
@B-A-L
3 жыл бұрын
Are you aware that when you say your name at the beginning the closed captions call you Elizabeth?
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
3 жыл бұрын
No, I wasn't aware of that. Way to go, KZitem! "Should You Hide Your Helix" is really, really old. I've checked several recent videos, and KZitem is now getting it right, I'm glad to say. ...Roy
@kevinbreaker2683
3 жыл бұрын
most definitely kept open👍🌟
@billclark81
6 жыл бұрын
I like the open helix. I live in Utah, and see your layout area frequently. You have done a fabulous job. Thank you for the video. I am planning my n scale now.....
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your comment, Bill. I really appreciate it. I especially welcome and appreciate your observations about the area I'm modeling. My goal is to capture "the feel" of that area. I wish you success on the N-scale layout you are planning. Keep us posted on your progress. ...Roy
@jamesdunlap5935
6 жыл бұрын
Open, thank you.
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your "vote," James. I'm thinking about getting rid of the hidden helix altogether. ...Roy
@kevin0007
6 жыл бұрын
I like the utility of the open design. Especially when it is so nicely built like the way you did yours. The inner "facia" really sets it off. It looks very nice. Like others have said it makes maintenance such as track cleaning or fixing a derailment a lot easier. No need to crawl under to get inside. Thanks for making this video!!!
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
6 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Kevin. I appreciate your comment. To me, there is no question about it: an open helix is better than a hidden one. It's no fun to crawl under the layout to fix a derailment or unwanted uncoupling in a helix. ...Roy
@belahernadi3943
2 жыл бұрын
open Helix good!
@MicrobyteAlan
6 жыл бұрын
Hidden
@bigdon1a1
6 жыл бұрын
by the way nice job
@brianmathiason29
6 жыл бұрын
I've never seen an open helix till this video. I really like the concept and being able to see the trains as they run. What good is a hidden train unless it's in a staging yard?
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
6 жыл бұрын
That's so very true. My open helix is so much better than the hidden one. Thanks for watching and commenting. ....Roy
@Romin.777
6 жыл бұрын
Hidden train have a surprise effect when they appear. ;))
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