Jeff - the Elmers + Hot Glue is clever! I've never thought to do that!

Just want to say thanks for your video John. I started my own helix project using your method of construction and it is going great so far.

Very nicely demonstrated and narrated. Looks professionally produced.

Great videos on your helix construction technique. I've been looking through everything I can find about building a helix preparing to build one for my new N scale layout. While many different designs have their merits, I feel that this design will work best in my particular application. Thank you for the great presentation.

Great video and very informative. I really like your idea with mixing the glues.

Nicely done, good narration and explained well, Jeff. I use 1/4" x 20 threaded rod towers to support my helix levels, located every 60 degrees around the perimeter, both on the inside radius and the outside radius of the structure. This construction method gives the added benefit of tweaking the grade post-construction as may be needed, and the ability to ease the grade both at the top and bottom of the structure where the graded track meets level track on the approaches. This, of cource, can be accomplished with your method as long as you have it all figured out ahead of time. I have found, however, it's really beneficial to have this adjustment capability, because no matter how well a helix is planned out on paper, the ability to adjust it post-construction using test trains, bubble levels and other devices is a godsend. Also, my helixes employ 22" radius pre-curved Atlas code 83 sectional track, which makes track laying a piece of cake. I run SD40 locomotives and freight cars up to a scale 60' length and they all perform flawlessly at any speed, ascending or descending. This smaller structure (48" total diameter) reduces required helix foorprint area, rendering more layout space elsewhere. I do understand, however, you run larger equipment which may require your 27" radius and overall 59" diameter structure.Again, you've made a great video. Thank you for your dedication to the hobby.

Hi Jeff. That was really helpful. Thanks so much for sharing this method!

Thanks - very helpful for my Helix project that I've just embarked on :-)

Hi I'm enjoying your video's ,have just purchased the one on weathering loco's keep up the great articles .

@slendersausage Hi, the wood blocks separating the levels are about 3" tall, so combined with the 1/2-inch plywood subroadbed, that's about 3-1/2 inches of rise per turn. That may not be enough clearance for modern equipment such as double stacks, but for our 1920s-vintage steam era equipment, it fits just fine. -Jeff

Jeff, might want to use the 'Link Video' function, so that the viewer can simply 'follow the link' to Part2?

très bonne pédagogie Dominique

I have 2 of your videos on helix construction. I am assembling a helix I bought for my n gauge trains. My question is, How do you start the track on the helix? Does the flex track begin at the bottom of the ramp or does it extend to the edge of the helix diameter? Keep making the videos, I'm learn a lot.

How didi you get the first layer at the right incline all the way around?

Hello Jeff, how did you layout and cut the curved pieces for Helix 1? Video Link?

How did you layout the plywood sheets for cutting out each of your roadbed pieces to get the most pieces out of each sheet of plywood? How long is each piece of roadbed and how many pieces did it take to make a complete circle?

Hi Jeff I need a picture of that wood shelf bracket

Hi Jeff, how can i make those curved sections of roadbed the way u did? Thx ur instructing is giving me guts to make one,,but i c that its a great xpense on wood to do 30" radius in complete circles n then cut to quarters..deeply apprcte any suggestions..by

Hi, Jeff. I like your how-to video. But I think I missed a detail - is it in another video? That detail is: how do you start the incline at the base of the helix? Thanks.

why does nobody use laminate board for the sub road bed? sure a lot of cutting (but all straight in a gig) but no loss of wood cutting semi circles.

Can I ask how it rises up with each full circle of the helix - thanks

I am considering following your steps on the helix you made, but I want to know, is it okay to use a narrower radius than 27"? I want to go with a 22 or 24 inch radius. I do not plan on using a longer wheelbase engine than my 4449 Daylight 4-8-4 (Bachmann) on my layout. Do you have any recommendations?

The one u put that bucket on

Jeff, In your article you wrote for Model Railroader Magazine in 2008, you mentioned you used 12 risers of 1/4 inch plywood with 3/4 inch cleats. Did you cut the tops of these at an angle approximate to your grade percentage or did you attach them square and allow the helix boards to simply rest against them? I am in the preparation stage of building a helix similar to yours and this is the only question I have concerning the first full rotation of helix road board.

John - Hi, I'm not sure how to attach a photo here. How can I get you the diagram of the bracket?

How long were each of your subroadbed pieces? How may did it take to make each turn?

Hi, Jeff. Do you reply to questions? I have a ton.

is this HO or N scale????

What is this?😆😂 cool though