Skip to main content

Last Saturday (Dec 6, 2014) it was a rainy/nasty day here in Maryland so I took my daughter up to the Greenberg Train Show in Timonium Maryland and we stumbled upon something quite special (I think), a vintage double helix O gauge layout for sale.

 

The vendor mentioned it was built "for a department store", unknown year but the thing looked to be at least 50 years old.

 

I planned on going back the next day with a better camera, a notepad, and a tape measure (and a fellow forum member) but wasn't able to go, so the only pictures I got were from my aging iPhone camera. 

 

Below are the pictures, it would be neat to see what you guys know about layouts like these.  Other things I can think of include:

  • The layout was less than 3 feet tall, closer to 2 feet if I remember correctly (I could measure the elf in the second picture if you all want)
  • The track was made with what appears to be sheet metal - home made track, so cool
  • The vendor wanted $1,500 OBO for the item so it was out of my league
  • I couldn't help but think it should have been in a museum somewhere

All the best to everyone this Christmas/Holiday Season...Rich Murnane

 

Vintage Double Helix pic 1

 

Vintage double helix picture 2

 

 

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Originally Posted by AMCDave:

It's cool....It looks more like 1940's - 50's to me.......The rails look like strap iron or maybe folded sheet metal....could you tell???

@AMCDave - I bet it was folded sheet metal, it looked like the sheet metal used for AC/Heat venting but was thicker, almost like the size of the metal used in automotive bodywork (or even thicker?).

Originally Posted by Susan Deats:

Rich, this helix "how-to" may help you build your own if you decide to tackle the project.

 

 

ssprr_run_room015001

ssprr_run_room015003

The Helix has always  fascinated me. A lot of the inspiration for our current 8 x 5 double spiral Christmas display comes from continually returning to Susan's web page and examining the "Compact Double Helix" her layout and instructive articles. Thank you Susan

 

 

2014FrontView

fullroom

OthersideOfTracks2

Attachments

Images (3)
  • 2014FrontView
  • fullroom
  • OthersideOfTracks2

The old Helix originally pictured was made using sewer snake steel. I have studied a few of these. There does not seem to be much information regarding who originally made them. There are a few of them around including the "figure 8 double helix" all with the same steel bar track construction. I tried to buy this one at the Spring York 2014 show , he was pretty set on $2800 then.

I am going to build a similar one out of current track. The Corkscrew inner outer return Helix are fun with some early tin running around them.

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×