NTS & B Helix lower turn around loop

Jan 2009-The bottom return loop for the helix is finally laid in. In case anyone was wondering where the 2 bottom helix tracks were going, the next 2 pictures should answer any questions. A bunch more work needs to be done, such as final fit, supports, paint, and roadbed, but a train can FINALLY transverse the complete helix loop. The bottom 2 pictures show the Polar Express on her maiden voyage over the the lower section. A movie will follow shortly.

NTS & B Current Layout Size and large picture

Jan 2009-I have been asked a couple times how big the layout is so far, and I couldn't come up with a size, since it is an odd shape. So I went ahead and measured, and made the following rough drawing with the sizes included. All sizes are in feet. The overall room size is approximately 15 ft by 40 ft, and the layout will fill up most of it. See the Aug 16, 2008 entry for a scale drawing of the complete planned layout. I also added a picture of the layout as it currently stands, so you can get better idea of the overall size.

NTS & B Cable Stayed bridge complete

Finally completed the second suspension bridge. It was much easier to build than the traditional suspension bridge (see bottom of this post for measurements). The upper level of the helix loop is almost done, with the exception of a couple street lights and the telephone pole wires. More on that next week

Measurements:

• Holes on towers are spaced every 1/2 inch and start at 1 1/2 inch from top
• Holes are deck spaced every 2 inches and start at 1 3/4 inch from edge of tower
• Tower is 17 1/2 inch tall from top of deck, and hangs down 1 3/4 inch below deck
• Deck to bottom of cross brace between towers is 13 inches
• Deck is made of 1x8x8, and is app 12 1/2 ft long total
• Overall length of deck from first cord to last cord on 1 tower is 45 inches
• Towers are made of 2 1x2's shaved and shaped with a router.. The inside on rests on the deck, and has a grove routed in it for the all thread support rod and wires for the blinking LEDS. The cross piece is screwed to the inside pieces. The outside pieces are longer, and hang below the deck.
• The cables are made from weed eater cord, and are over 50 foot for each tower. They are knotted underneath on each end.
• If the cables are strung so tight that you can play a tune, chances are they are too tight, and will warp the ends of the bridge up. I usually park a heavy engine in the middle of the bridge to help prevent this from happening.
• Hint: If the cable says 'invisible', then you probably wont see the cables :(. Shining a light on them won't help that a bit, either.

NTS & B Jan 2009 North Pole Loop Yard

Track is in, and turnouts and siding power is wired. Still having issues with derailments so need to work on track leveling, and possibly another turnout replacement. Wall track just (barely) fits the Polar Express (with about an inch to spare). Front 3 tracks are shorter, but shortest should still hold a steam engine and 3 passenger cars (I hope). Also still need to wire in location sensors. I bought a string of Christmas LEDS that have a very wide visibility angle, which will be mounted under the appropriate tracks under the shelf.


Turnout and track power are controlled by switches mounted under the bridge. The power station containing the transformers is located on the floor almost directly underneath.

The Lionel Polar Express along with an MTH Christmas train with a few additional cars are parked in the new yard.