Guide to helix and staging design

Enhance your next model railroad with a better understanding of how to add behind the scenes operations. In this article collection, Doug Gurin gives an overview of the oft-misunderstood helix, including basic construction methods and techniques for using a helix to connect multi-deck layouts and lengthen a mainline run. The Silver Gate Northern track plan shows how the to get the most out of a helix by combining it with serial staging. You'll also find tips for designing and building a better staging yard, along with ideas about how to incorporate Digital Command Control into staging operations. Tony Koester shows how even a simple shelf layout made of sectional track can benefit from the addition of a staging yard or two. For small layouts and modules, you'll learn some alternatives to large yards, including cassettes, traversers, and sector plates. (23 pages, 6.9 MB)

Here are the track plans included in this set:

• A primer on helix design by Doug Gurin
• Operate your staging yard with DCC by Mike Polsgrove
• 10 tips for staging yards by Tony Koester
• Staging solutions by Paul J. Dolkos
• The Silver Gate Northern by Don Mitchell
• Adding staging to a sectional track plan by Tony Koester