There is old saying in the modified car world , built not brought. I think the same applies on all hobbies. I’ve seen many other rail layouts where they buy their helix. Honestly I think your helix is going to look even better , because you’ve built it yourself and persevered . Hats off to you and look forward to more of your awesome videos 😎👍👍
Great video as always. Your wood working are very good. Looking forward to seeing the trains running on it.👍👍👍👍. I have said in the past Pete Waterman would be proud of your layout.
Glue your cork layers on all of the curved mdf before you assemble any more helix, fitting cut shapes neatly into a 80mm gap will be a nightmare , plus how to add any pressure to get it flat. Charlie's nut twiddler will be a godsend too. Recruit a lot of help to lift the helix up, your woodwork is topnotch, but loft board and MDF are both heavy sheet materials.
Have you got the nut runner tool? If not I can send one (same product as used on Chadwick) to you. I put ‘power-base’ under the 4th radius circuit as an ‘insuranace’ measure. So glad I did! T🚂
Sorry, I’ve only just read this! That’s a very kind offer - if I had 4 or 5 loops I might have taken you up on it but I’ve decided I’ll cope with 2…. 👍
You could use PVC pipe as spacers with washers on the All-thread (threaded rod) to keep the grade consistent on your helix. Still, things are looking great.
Hi Andy. Brilliant job Andy, you have a lot patience. Helix is going to look brilliant, as is the rest of your layout. I always cock up with my measurements, not thrown anything at the wall yet though.😏 Great vlog Andy thank you. Thumbs up thumped 👍 ....Pete....
I've just watched Rapido Trains UK video SECR 01 on YT. While watching this video. I concentrated on the helix to see how they achieved theirs. Given that you have already started with your plan, you'd be best to continue as you are. Still might be worth watching.
I extensively tested my whole loco fleet before settling on my inclines for the hidden storage sidings under Westfield IV. The results showed me that 1.5% to 1.7% was the maximum slope I could pull 6/7 coaches on a straight pull up the gradients. So, I was a bit concerned when you initially said 2% was your limit for the helix. Particularly as it is 3rd/4th radius. That gradient of 2% only allowed me 3/4 coaches using Mallard, Flying Scotsman and Kings. Relieved when you measured the slope at 1.4%. Charlie at Chadwick has the outer radius as the UP slope and still needed a power base for steam locos pulling long rakes. Yours looks like the wider radius is deepen slope. Diesels are no problem on slopes up to 2% they have way better traction. Hope this info helps……
Sorry to add a complication but your pieces are measured horizontally between the threaded rods. Surely each angled section will need to be be slightly longer!. Solution might be to have "expansion joints" or gaps cut between each segment. Good luck.
Thanks. It will actually be 85mm so 73mm finished clearance which works ok. I did measure it at 85mm but then for some bizarre reason started testing at 80mm! 👍
Hi I've been watching your videos and realised i hadn't subscribed but i have now, i built my first of three Helixes very similar to yours two of mine are 600mm high. at 14.06 it llok like you had glued the left side of the joint which was wright i think but the block that you glue on wants to be on top of the right bit then glue that part of the Helix on so it can rise up. That's if im following it wright. Hope I'm wrong I'm not pick fault just trying to help. Must say you are doing a great job and very neat. Looking forward to seeing more videos layout is looking great. Colin
Hi Sorry just watch the video again and the piece of board what is holding the Helix up doesn't go across the joint it's only half the width. So I think i was wrong apologise for saying what I said. Colin
It is never as easy as you think. You do it all in your head and always forget something. Take your time and leave it for another day when necessary.
Good advice! It could be so easy to miss a washer or nut….
I think your support strip idea is much better.
Thanks 👍
Watching with interest and why does the phrase “rather you than me” crop up in my mind!
Ha. I’m enjoying it so far……
Nice work Andy as always
Thank you 👍
There is old saying in the modified car world , built not brought. I think the same applies on all hobbies. I’ve seen many other rail layouts where they buy their helix. Honestly I think your helix is going to look even better , because you’ve built it yourself and persevered . Hats off to you and look forward to more of your awesome videos 😎👍👍
Thank you very much 👍
Great video as always. Your wood working are very good. Looking forward to seeing the trains running on it.👍👍👍👍. I have said in the past Pete Waterman would be proud of your layout.
Thank you very much. To be honest, it’s far more complicated than I first thought! 👍
Great wood working skills. Just shows what you can do if you put your mind to it.
Thanks very much 👍
Well done. It’s all coming together. 👍
Thanks. I daren’t rush this as I’m sure I’ll miss something… 👍
@ ‘Slow & steady’ wins the race (although it’s not a race of course). You are doing a great job.
Glue your cork layers on all of the curved mdf before you assemble any more helix, fitting cut shapes neatly into a 80mm gap will be a nightmare , plus how to add any pressure to get it flat.
Charlie's nut twiddler will be a godsend too.
Recruit a lot of help to lift the helix up, your woodwork is topnotch, but loft board and MDF are both heavy sheet materials.
Thank you. Yes, going to glue the underlay before assembling. I’ve been looking at Charlie’s nut winder…. 👍
Does the track have to be laid as each turn is assembled??
Helixes are complex beasts, I had enough on building a pair of interlaced incline ramps.
Have you got the nut runner tool? If not I can send one (same product as used on Chadwick) to you.
I put ‘power-base’ under the 4th radius circuit as an ‘insuranace’ measure. So glad I did! T🚂
Sorry, I’ve only just read this! That’s a very kind offer - if I had 4 or 5 loops I might have taken you up on it but I’ve decided I’ll cope with 2…. 👍
great vid on channel thanks lee
Cheers Lee 👍
Hello from Canada , going to subscribe your channel, helix looks greatb
Thank you very much 😊
You could use PVC pipe as spacers with washers on the All-thread (threaded rod) to keep the grade consistent on your helix. Still, things are looking great.
Brilliant, thank you
Hi Andy.
Brilliant job Andy, you have a lot patience.
Helix is going to look brilliant, as is the rest of your layout.
I always cock up with my measurements, not thrown anything at the wall yet though.😏
Great vlog Andy thank you.
Thumbs up thumped 👍
....Pete....
Cheers Pete. It definitely testing me this one! Hope you’re keeping well matey 👍
Very courageous. It's going well. Very best of luck.
Thank you 😊
Keep it up! Good work.
Thank you 😊
I've just watched Rapido Trains UK video SECR 01 on YT. While watching this video. I concentrated on the helix to see how they achieved theirs. Given that you have already started with your plan, you'd be best to continue as you are. Still might be worth watching.
Thanks. Yes, I’ve watched that one. 👍
Fair play to you mate I would have lost it by now and you still have a lot to do 👍
Thanks. It’s certainly testing me! 👍
I extensively tested my whole loco fleet before settling on my inclines for the hidden storage sidings under Westfield IV. The results showed me that 1.5% to 1.7% was the maximum slope I could pull 6/7 coaches on a straight pull up the gradients. So, I was a bit concerned when you initially said 2% was your limit for the helix. Particularly as it is 3rd/4th radius. That gradient of 2% only allowed me 3/4 coaches using Mallard, Flying Scotsman and Kings. Relieved when you measured the slope at 1.4%. Charlie at Chadwick has the outer radius as the UP slope and still needed a power base for steam locos pulling long rakes. Yours looks like the wider radius is deepen slope. Diesels are no problem on slopes up to 2% they have way better traction. Hope this info helps……
Down not deepen silly auto correct…..
Thanks very much. That really useful to know. 👍
@@Grandadstrainroom-pn3tt np matey I pinch ideas from you almost weekly lol
Do you need to trim the wood base? More wood more rigidity
Good point 👍
I did briefly consider building a helix but I can’t afford to lose any more hair.
Haha. It’s certainly testing the old grey matter!
Don’t forget, you need to fix the track as you go on each full turn, unless you are going to glue it!
Good point. That could cause some issues. I’m just deciding whether to glue or screw the track down - not sure how well screws will bite into the MDF!
@ More decisions!
Sorry to add a complication but your pieces are measured horizontally between the threaded rods. Surely each angled section will need to be be slightly longer!. Solution might be to have "expansion joints" or gaps cut between each segment. Good luck.
Thank you 👍
Your 80mm between layers will now be 68mm with the 12mm extra rod supports. Will trains still fit? Awesome job though 👍🏽
Thanks. It will actually be 85mm so 73mm finished clearance which works ok. I did measure it at 85mm but then for some bizarre reason started testing at 80mm! 👍
Hi I've been watching your videos and realised i hadn't subscribed but i have now,
i built my first of three Helixes very similar to yours two of mine are 600mm high. at 14.06 it llok like you had glued the left side of the joint which was wright i think but the block that you glue on wants to be on top of the right bit then glue that part of the Helix on so it can rise up. That's if im following it wright. Hope I'm wrong I'm not pick fault just trying to help. Must say you are doing a great job and very neat. Looking forward to seeing more videos layout is looking great. Colin
Hi Sorry just watch the video again and the piece of board what is holding the Helix up doesn't go across the joint it's only half the width. So I think i was wrong apologise for saying what I said. Colin
Thank you. I have in fact glued one of the supports on the wrong side. You’ll see it in the next update! 🫣
You should get one of those spinny things that Charlie Chadwick used to get your nuts down the rods quickly.
Yes, I’ve been looking at them. Don’t know if I fancy paying £18 for one use… or am I just being tight