Benchwork 9 - Helix

The layout design given and druthers about helixes on a model railroad layout will be discussed in the layout design section of the blog. Here we are going to look at the benchwork construction of the helix base.

The helix module will occupy a space 4 foot long, 4 foot wide and approximately 24 inches or more in height. The sheer size and weight of the module requires some modification of the WWSLs L-girder costruction techniques.

As seen in the lower photograph the major change is the absence of the horizontal 1x3 as part of the lower L girder. A temporary 1x3 was used to ensure level of the horizontal girder and the installation of the backdrop panels.

Next, the helix base was constructed. To minimize weight, I opted to use 1/2 inch playwood for the base. 1x4 inch L-girders were constructed and installed around the outside edges of the playwood panel for strength. L-girders along two edges of the the panel were set in the traditional internal orientation, two L-girders along the other two edges were oriented outward. All 4 corners were reinforced with metal brackets.

Heres a view of the reversed L-girders. In this case the horizontal L-girder members are 1x2 inch dimentional lumber. They are oriented outward so that when the module is installed on the benchwork, the 1x2 horizontal edges hooks onto the benchwork holding it in place until a leg can be temporarily installed, the module leveled and in this case, galanized screws inserted to lock the module onto the benchwork.

Having gotten the base installed with a temporary leg, I then cut the luan panels I plan to use for the helix roadbed to 48x48 inches. I then installed them on the plywood base and aligned them to the base. I screwed them to the plywood base and then sanded the cut edge with a belt sander. 

The lower level has the helix foundation base for stability. The upper level needs a L girder for stability. I used a 2x2 inch stud for the helix leg. I cut the corner of the luan panels and the 1/2 inch plywood panel, placed the leg inside the L-girder corner and screwed it into the L girders.

 

 

It is my plan to enclose the helix. The east side of the helix will be painted per the lower level sky color. The north side of the helix will be mostly enclosed as fascia and painted black. To make the backdrop and facia panels flush with the Lgirders at the leg, a 1x3 and 1x2 was attached as trim pieces. 

 

Now that the helix base is built and installed, I can finish the benchwork in the south east corner of the layout room and call benchwork construction over.