mountains/hills

depends on what prototype you are modelling?

For US modelling, try referring to Model Railroadr, Narrow gauge and short line gazette, etc...these mags have plenty of suggestions.....

for Uk..the problem is more difficult.

again, if modelling east anglia area, a high hill or high terrain is out of context??

however, if modelling somewhere like teh yorkshire dales, pennines, etc, then there is the opportunity to create steep valley sides covered in satanic mills, etc..like many pennine towns?
the idea being, not just hiding the helix in a lanscape, but also within buildings?

is it going up, or down?

why bother at all?...especially if the helix is to access a split level layout, with very separate boards?

for the US modeller there is the opportunity too, for floor to ceiling scenery...thus setting hte helix, or part of it, clinging to a steep mountainside......trestles, short tunnels, easily-modelled wrecks, bears, etc.

for access purposes inthis instance, why not build the helix on castors?

QUOTE (alastairq @ 26 Aug 2007, 09:50) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Thanks all for the advice. It's going to be an overseas layout but undecided as yet where !
Has anyone any links to pix of scenery covering a helix !

Thanks again

depends on what prototype you are modelling?

For US modelling, try referring to Model Railroadr, Narrow gauge and short line gazette, etc...these mags have plenty of suggestions.....

for Uk..the problem is more difficult.

again, if modelling east anglia area, a high hill or high terrain is out of context??

however, if modelling somewhere like teh yorkshire dales, pennines, etc, then there is the opportunity to create steep valley sides covered in satanic mills, etc..like many pennine towns?
the idea being, not just hiding the helix in a lanscape, but also within buildings?

is it going up, or down?

why bother at all?...especially if the helix is to access a split level layout, with very separate boards?
for the US modeller there is the opportunity too, for floor to ceiling scenery...thus setting hte helix, or part of it, clinging to a steep mountainside......trestles, short tunnels, easily-modelled wrecks, bears, etc.

for access purposes inthis instance, why not build the helix on castors?

in that case..I suggest firstly, enabling the helix to be 'moved?'

otherwise you will have trouble getting access...remember, trains will ALWAYS derail at the point of minimum access.

either that, or position it away from any solid walls?

if approach space is limited, then I suggest actually not bothering to scenify the helix may be best?

simply consider the 'edge' of the layout to be the entrance to the helix?

place a backscene/whatever at that point......possibly cover the helix with a box-like structure? Maybe storage for precious items on display?

If there is room to introduce an approach to the helix, scenic -wise, then dont just start the 'hill' from baseboard level...start from below..then the rails will appear to be 'within' the scenery, rather than 'on' it?

what I mean is, have a gradually rising contour level for the surrounding ground..rather than a sudden verticality?

this could be made easier if the entrance to the helix is actually positioned 'round the back'..ie once the track starts to climb?..[assuming the entrance ramp is larger radius that the coils above?]

where is the helix going to?

QUOTE (Smokeyone @ 26 Aug 2007, 07:13) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I am contemplating building a 36" diameter helix by around 18" high
and am looking for ideas to cover it with a mountain or a hill. The problem
is that I do not have that much extra space around it so if I am not careful
I could end up with what looks like a circular drum.
My best thought so far is to build it right in a corner of the layout with
vertical card walls for two sides.
I am hoping someone has a better idea.
Hello Smokeyone,

The solution to every problem is always a hydroelectic dam, whether you want more electricity, to film a James Bond movie stunt or just to flood an annoying village in rural China...one can get away with steep walls and actually quite a nice scenic feature. I had an idea for exactly this:

One can then put mountains on both sides and have the dam in between. This breaks up what would be an otherwise sheer cliff all the way round, and the helix can climb behind the dam and under the lake. The lake could lift out for easy access...although this whole idea requires slightly more 'alpine' scenery which may look out of place if you are modelling East Anglia etc.

I was inspired by the Verzasca Dam in Switzerland above Lake Maggiore:

From the front-

From the back-


Goedel von Brum

QUOTE (goedel @ 26 Aug 2007, 12:31) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Thanks very much, that's given me ideas. The water could be the lift out part which could
mean I can get away with having a flat top to my mountain/hill.

Where is the helix going to - it's probably an unworkable idea but -
two helixes, two mountains and an impressive bridge connecting the two together !!

Hello Smokeyone,

The solution to every problem is always a hydroelectic dam, whether you want more electricity, to film a James Bond movie stunt or just to flood an annoying village in rural China...one can get away with steep walls and actually quite a nice scenic feature. I had an idea for exactly this:

One can then put mountains on both sides and have the dam in between. This breaks up what would be an otherwise sheer cliff all the way round, and the helix can climb behind the dam and under the lake. The lake could lift out for easy access...although this whole idea requires slightly more 'alpine' scenery which may look out of place if you are modelling East Anglia etc.

I was inspired by the Verzasca Dam in Switzerland above Lake Maggiore:

From the front-

From the back-


Goedel von Brum