Building a Helix in EM

[Bob FullerParticipant]

I’m in the process of designing a multi-level shelf layout, and it looks like I may have to incorporate a helix in the design. Has anyone here built a helix in EM? What was the outcome? How well did it operate?

• This topic was modified 3 years, 7 months ago by Bob Fuller.

[Trade OfficerKeymaster]

I have never built a helix but I would imagine that it is no different than the general guides you see on the internet.

You biggest factor is going to the radius. Depending on the locos and stock you are intending to run on it you could end up with 6ft plus diameter helix as the minimum recommended radius for em is 3ft. Depends how much shelf space you have!

 

john

[Nick RidgwayParticipant]

It might be worth going through the wall, put the helix outside the building, and come back in again.

One of Jas Millham’s S-gauge creations has a lift-type sector plate, operating in the vertical plane.

Another option might be to use cassettes to transfer trains between levels.

There are proprietary train magazines that operate in the vertical plane and they are beyond my hobby money to buy.

[Bob FullerParticipant]

John – I have a space of 6′ 2″, so it will be quite a tight fit but might be workable.

Nick – Yes, the helix would be located outside of the main train room. I have been looking at vertical plane solutions and the electrically operated lifts for raising TV’s might do the trick. They are able to handle the weight, the extendable reach is sufficient and adjustable, and the speed looks appropriate. So, I will do a bit more research on that solution.

Thanks for your replies.

 

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