Guide to helix and staging design

Enhance your next model railroad with a better understanding of how to add behind the scenes operations. In this article collection, Doug Gurin gives an overview of the oft-misunderstood helix, including basic construction methods and techniques for using a helix to connect multi-deck layouts and lengthen a mainline run. The Silver Gate Northern track plan shows how the to get the most out of a helix by combining it with serial staging. You'll also find tips for designing and building a better staging yard, along with ideas about how to incorporate Digital Command Control into staging operations. Tony Koester shows how even a simple shelf layout made of sectional track can benefit from the addition of a staging yard or two. For small layouts and modules, you'll learn some alternatives to large yards, including cassettes, traversers, and sector plates.
(23 pages, 6.9 MB)