***It Has A Name - September 25, 2020***
I did this a couple of weeks ago. Using cardboard and rosin paper I made this template and laid track down. I found it very helpful to do this. My software plans were off when I started connecting. Taking out the half-straight on the outer track and removing and replacing a few curves on the inside track allows me to fit the layout within the space I'm able to use. I should be able to get at least 6 levels rising to about five feet before the track turns inward to start the climb down.
In order to create a space that I can crawl into to access the interior of helix I shorten the track from 60" to 45" at about 3 feet. Tight but doable.
Here is how I start the inward curve at top to start the inside spiral to the bottom. Changing a few 72 curve with 54 and adding one 10 inch straight allows me to meet the inner track.
This shows by adding and subtracting track(I have to cut and shorten one curve) I can get the inner track to meet with the outer track at the bottom and start the climb back up.
I could create a staging area within the helix by adding some switches.
The background pasted to wall is about the height of the second level. Flat surface that covers the helix with two oval tracks and my Dept56 city buildings filling the space. The support post will have an eye-level TV mount at the top portion and where the helix space is I'll mount shelves to hold transformer and other equipment.
While waiting for plans to be finished I'm doing wall preparation. Scrapping, sealing and painting(white). Purchased a bendable suspended curtain rail that I'll shape to match the oval. Hoping this will keep dust and cats away...
I have thoughts of painting the support beam to look like a steel beam? Haven't concluding what color to paint the wood for helix yet? Thinking about how to hid the joists and pipes in the ceiling? Perhaps a dark blue sheet stretched over area with lights to depict a starry night? Wiring???
Even though all this helps me visualize I'm still having the plans professional drawn. On the lower half of this layout I'll be using all new Menards tubular track.
