Multilevel HO layout

Hi all,

I was at a Potomac Division Open House Saturday. Basically an open house where members of the NMRA Potomac Division can come along and have a look at what other NMRA members are doing with their layouts. This one is based on the Maine Central in the 1960's, HO scale, DCC control, of interest because the owner has utilized a multilevel approach to maximize the length of the layout. In this case 3 scenic levels, plus a storage level in one section, the upper level on shelves, a double track helix to change levels, a 4% gradient at one point (the owner told me prototypical and several miles long in 12" to the foot), and a hump through a cutting (again prototypical). The river with waves is PVA, as is the narrow stream. Point (turnout) control is via WIT ground throws. This is a large layout with 3 bays (total track length around 80 feet for each level plus the helix which at 4 feet diameter is around another 72 feet)- note the multi-camera views on the screen above the helix.

The approach might be of interest to anybody wishing to maximize the size of their layout using a multilevel approach.

Nigel

Nice , thanks Nigel

Nigel

This is really interesting.  When you say track length 80 feet, I am guessing a floor area of about 440sqft which is about what I have??  UK modellers are reluctant to use multi-levels and I have not seen many UK based models using this format - I guess the haulage capacity of a typical UK steam locomotive makes a 4% grade a bit tricky.

With time on my hands, I might be tempted to sketch a few ideas out……….

Thanks for sharing

Barry

Hi Barry,

I will ask the owner for the exact dimensions. Overall probably what you have. The layout is L-shaped, with an island to increase the run length. Hence the 9 CCTV cameras to see what's going on. Going between levels is primarily via the helix, probably a <2% gradient. That 4% is just a  cameo. Multi-diesel consists are used, along with fairly short freight car loads (<50 freight cars). Islands, one or more helices and storage levels are three common ways to increase run length here. A helix may seem big, but it increases the track length dramatically giving more realistic times between stations. I will post a diagram later today.


Nigel

Some of these US layouts are wonderful things Nigel - thanks for posting.

I'm planning a dual level layout, as you know, and the grade will be critical.  I just wish I had room for a helix but the required diameter prohibits one.

Not absolutely certain what my grade will be but there's around 54ft available for it.  Naturally, I need to gain as much height as I can but, as Barry said, UK outline steam locos have neither the weight nor pulling power of their all-wheel-drive diesel counterparts.