SSPRR Run Room

Playing with Toy Trains

Double Helix Materials List

Track Overview

Double Helix sold April 24, 2000 Before selling layout I photographed details and made construction drawings.

Double helix track radius 21"

The double helix has 4 % grade with about 4 3/4" vertical clearance for train.

Materials List

Page 1 and Page 2 of the double helix drawings use the following materials and parts list:

  • 4’ x 8’ ¼” plywood
  • 3/4” x 1 3/4” pine for bottom bracing
  • 3/4” x 1½” x 93” curved bottom bracing 3/4” x 1 1/2” x 9 3/4” long pieces
  • 1” wide Metal edging
  • .065” thick x 5/16” wide steel rails painted silver (hot rolled steel strip, not sheared)
  • .138” diameter steel guard railing painted silver
  • .426 or 7/16” dowels
  • lumber for ladder rungs
  • lumber for ties (stained w Danish Walnut color stain)
  • sprigs
  • screws
  • Transformers:  Lionel KW with 2 each Lionel 1033s for accessories
  • 1 ohm resistor on lower section of track rising

Construction Notes

  • Would be nice: Slots under bracing for electrical wiring (on bottom side of 1/4” plywood)
  • Paint was brushed on after assembly
  • Ladder bases are painted black.
  • There are 112 ties with 4/8” to 3/4” spacing between ties.

This layout restricts the size and length of trains that will run OK.

Additional Information

Construction drawings are available here.

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