Helix Construction on the Lucaston & Southern - Model Railroading

Originally made as a presentation for the Trinity River Division for the NMRA, this video shows how I built my double helix for my N-scale layout.
Helix Specs:
1/2" cabinet grade plywood cut into 5-1/4" strips
Segments cut at 15-7/8" on long end
38" Total width of level
2.3% Grade
2.67" Total height between levels
2.2" 'Finger' clearance between levels
18.5" Elevation change
18-3/8" Radius outer loop, 17-5/8" Radius inner loop
Circle jig is calibrated for 1/4" bit so outer loop routed at 36" and inner loop routed at 33" with 3/4" bit to get the above radius.
Routing depth at 1/8"
51 pieces of Atlas Code 80 flex track mounted with ME medium rail spikes.
Music Credit: bensound.com

[@derekalexander4030]

That was a great build, thank you. I have never seen anyone inset the track even though I have seen some that should have because of the small clearance. Great idea.

[@neilbuilds7475]

I appreciate that feedback!

[@gary-williams]

I would've used a drill press to make the holes for the threaded rods, to ensure consistent positioning, but otherwise your build is perfect. I've often wondered how I would engineer a helix, but never thought about using biscuits.

[@kensomething379]

Thanks for posting and glad I found it. Best helix build I've seen so far and I'm going to be copying this for my helix!

[@GrapeSodaGarage]

Very nice build! I really enjoyed the watching the woodwork. The measurements at the end was also a nice touch as it answered almost all my questions. I definitely learned a couple new tricks watching this. Thank you!!

[@rayopeongo]

Beautifully done, and minimizes the waste of material. Definitely something to emulate if I ever get up the nerve to add my second deck!

[@TheKurtsPlaceChannel]

Very nicely put together video and very entertaining as well. Thanks for posting this.

[@mikeuk1954]

That was a very well thought out construction and very enjoyable watch. Thanks.

[@kevinbohnenblust5844]

Really helpful -- thank you! For several years I have looked at building a helix with straight lumber to avoid the waste associated with cutting curves in plywood. Your video is perfect proof of concept, and I am going to follow your steps meticulously. Again, thank you, and I will look forward to seeing additional videos from you!

[@kevinbohnenblust2930]

What size biscuits did you use to connect parts? And once again, a great video!

[@cuebj]

Wow! I'm not into modelling or trains but I've seen a few layout construction videos to admire the artistic and diorama skills. Never seen a railway modeller with such workshop equipment or confidence to use woodworking machinery and techniques. Often modellers are scary unsafe and clumsy with their tools

[@neilbuilds7475]

Thank you Stephen! I really appreciate your comment.

[@user-hx3mi3he7x]

Neil, please publish the sizes of the router bit.

[@Wrathchildss]

I love how you put grooves for the track! Such a great idea, if I did that I could fit double stacks up mine!

[@bruceritchie3874]

Hi Neil, thanks for a great video. I’m about to construct a 2 track helix on my N Scale layout with 4 exit/entry points. I will be climbing almost 24” from bottom to top, and was thinking of incorporating straight sections on what will become the long sides. Do you have any further suggestions or tips that will help with construction? Cheers, Bruce

[@brettgreenland6044]

Can you provide me more details on the router cicular jig? I want to buy one just need to know where to grab it

[@neilbuilds7475]

Here ya go: www.woodcraft.com/products/large-7-to-52-3-4-circle-router-jig

[@BASILPANAS]

Thank you very much for this video. I think I'm going to build one just like this. Can you tell me please how long the shorter side of the strips is?

[@neilbuilds7475]

Sorry for the delayed response. The short side is 11-3/8"

[@ernestyount3061]

Thanks, for the video, your helix is exceptionally well done. Would it be possible to add the component list and specs here.

[@neilbuilds7475]

Thanks and sure. It will take me a bit to put that together.

[@neilbuilds7475]

Specs are in description

[@ernestyount3061]

@@neilbuilds7475 Thanks, you do great work.

[@jeffreeves2456]

Excuse me but, if you set your router guide on the 33” and 36” marks respectively, that gives you a RADIUS of that size. It gives you a diameter 66” and 72”

[@neilbuilds7475]

The number on the circle jig is the diameter, not the radius, and is the measurement to the inside cut of the bit. The jig is also calibrated to a 1/4" bit and I'm using 3/4" bit. The radius provided is the track radius which is the measurement from the center point to the centerline of the track, not the edge of the cut.