Thanks Mike, that's the plan for this topic, to share my progress with all of you. I see that I forgot to post a picture of the helix...
Blueline, I'm sorry I didn't start this topic months ago. I hope you're able to get back this way soon.
Doug, I have rejoined the NMRA, and am going to try to get some of them involved. They are the operators and builders. I used to be in TCA, but most of those guys don't build layouts. There was a time when I got paid to do layout work for others.
I wish a lot of the people on the forum lived closer. This thing would be done in no time and we would all have fun!