Maybe a hybrid of switchback/helix could be an option. Was tinkering with an idea for "stacked switchbacks." Track support will be a bit of a challenge. Have to find right balance of tail lengths and grade. Anyone see any other issues?
That looks like it may work, though I was thinking about just 1 curve. Again not sure what you are trying to achieve and with what in regard to trains? Austrian solution was good and looked good before he sadly moved.Dunnyrail - modifying a non-rack loco would be beyond my level for now.
I initially considered a helix, but the area needed is constrained by radius width (max is about 4-5 ft). I fear that there may not be enough headroom (height clearance between loops for loco to pass). If I done my math right, using a 24in radius and allowing for 9 inch clearance, I would end up with a 5.5% grade. If I can squeeze in a 60in radius, will result in 4.5%
It seems switchbacks (zig zags) are most optimal solution...….. Although, perhaps a little unorthodox: an elongated helix may be a good alternative? More of a stacked oval.
do not forget that one of the Spirals on the Darj is as far as I can make out in our scale the equivalent to LGB R1, the Sumpter line in USA had som pretty severs curves and gradients as well, so there are prototypical examples.Once you have tight-curves, and gradients together.. The drag, and load on your loco's becomes much greater. - This will mean they pull more current, and everything will wear at a greater rate.
If the consist become too big, (hopefully) the loco will slip (wheelspin).. In severe cases, if the wheels do not slip, then something will fail. - usually electronics, or burnt-out motors..
By all means try-out a simple oval of track, if you have a flatish slope you can put it on.. But be aware that 'we' are running on radii that no real railway ever would.
If I have this right.. It look's like there is either extra width, for part of B and all of C, or B is narrow nearer the front of the property?
Jason, is there a reason you don’t want to start at the back of the house?
do you really need a complete ground level line? Judging by your dry wall skills if you can get the stone a slightly less drop to the back yard utilising the Switch Back concept would give you a nice raised line. Believe me you will thank me long term if you take in that adea, many on here would love a higher line for their aging backs. But of course it does rake more effort and fill to get all planted up.
Is it really just hung from those chains?
One can imagine a lash up of 2 very heavy expensive US Diesels making a bid to dig the largest G scale hole ever when going round the top bit of the Helix.The chain supports the outer-end of the threaded rods.. These are screwed into the steel(?) uprights.
The track sections appear to be clamped, but I am a little surprised, there does not seem to be any support along the track?