I have finally taken the first steps towards starting the helix. It is long overdue. This past weekend I had a large block of time. And since it was still warm enough in the garage without heating it I picked up the plywood and started cutting.
As I had mentioned before (it’s been awhile, May 2015) I have a aluminum pattern that I had made for the curves. Using the pattern I trace out the curve section on the plywood (I can get 16 curved sections on a 4 x 8 piece of plywood). I then rough cut out the pieces. Then again using the metal pattern screwed to the rough cut pieces I run them threw the router using a pattern bit. I had detailed this along with pictures in the May 2015 post if you want a better idea of how it works.
I need 12 curved sections per loop. Six would complete one loop if I were using 3/4″ plywood. However than you would have to join the pieces together without creating a clearance problem. My solution was to use 3/8″ plywood and laminate the pieces together offsetting the joints to crate a 3/4″ thick ring that would have nothing below to cause clearance issues.
The stack ready to go.
As noted there are also four pieces (bottom of stack) that I cut with straight sections leading into and out of the helix.
My plan is to assemble them away from the layout one loop at a time. I will glue, clamp and screw them together. Then I will add that loop to the layout, lay and wire the track. I will then run a test train through it before going on to the next loop. After the first loop works I will repeat the process.
The thought of trying to mark the locations for screws and the center line of the track kind of boggled my mind. A little thought and my next great idea. Back out to the garage and in no time I made a couple of marking gauges.
They ride along the edge of the roadbed and have holes in them for a pencil to mark screw and track locations. One is for the inside of the curve and the other for the outside.
Tried one out and this is what it looks like.
I should have the first loop completed and installed this week. Will keep you updated. I will also have an update on the grain complex for you on Wednesday.
Till then, Happy Modelling…