Canton Division Construction Update
21 December 2006

Helix Planning SNAFU

The first SNAFU in construction occurred today.  The discovery that the planned Unitrack Helix will not fit the benchwork that has been built.  The cause of the this enormous error appears to be the track library for the CAD program used to create the layout plan for the Canton Division.  I am beyond frustrated at the moment.

I purchased some viaduct pieces today at a local hobby shop to do some proof of concept and work out some remaining planning for the helix (how many turns and method of support).  To my horror, I discover that the track was just too darn big for the benchwork that had been built.

Below is the CAD diagram of the area in question.  On CAD the width was about 36.5" and the height was about 30".  The Viaduct Unitrack has two 9 3/4" sections at the top and a 9 3/4" & 7 5/16" section on the sides.  Take notice of how much spare room is remaining.

Reality Check

Actual size of the constructed benchwork is 38" wide by 30" tall.   Despite the fact that actual benchwork is larger than what was planned, the actual track is still too large.  This is evident in the photos below.  Also in the photos below is the lower level where the actual helix will be built.  A complete redesign of the helix and the benchwork support structure is required.

Additional Reality Check - 22 DEC 2006

The picture below shows the source of the problem.  It is in fact the Viaduct Unitrack in the Kato N Track Library for "3D Railroad Concept and Design".  Towards the top of the helix plan is a single straight piece of track.  That track is a 9 3/4" section of Kato Unitrack - N scale.  The viaduct track straight sections next to it are both suppose to be 9 3/4" long.  So there is a major flaw to scale in this section of the library.

Possible Solution - 21 December 2006

I may be able to shoehorn in a Viaduct Unitrack helix using only the curved sections.  I would also have to cut out the backdrop support that in the back of the benchwork on the lower level.  This will not be an issue as there will be no backdrop in the helix area of the lower levels...only the top level will have a backdrop within the helix area of the layout.  To support the helix, a cut sheet of plywood will replace the wood lats currently installed.  I will need to purchase some more curved viaduct track to test this solution.  Initial testing indicates that this solution should work.

Alternate Possible Solution - 22 December 2006

A person who has an Ebay store custom builds helix systems.  I have been in communicatoin with this person since shorly after Thanksgiving 2006.  After I lost communication with him for about two weeks, I reverted back to my Kato Viaduct Helix plan.  Which of course now is somewhat compromised.  Well this gentleman has contacted me and has confirmed he has been out of town for a few days now and that his shop will be closed for the most of January.  However, he also stated he could buld my helix kits to my specifacations and have them delived by 15 FEB 2007.  Below is a helix kit he builds.  This is one of his "medium" kits with a radius of 12 inches.