[Doug]

Proses launches a new helix system quite different from what has come before.

It's fully modular, can be assembled and disassembled in less than 2 hours. This enables you to move, or change your layout and modify the helix with ease.

It's silent, probably the most silent helix system around. The track-beds are laid on rubber supports and fixed with thick rubber gaskets.

Very strong despite being modular. Assembly is done using nuts and wing nuts, you don't need any tools, even a screwdriver, spanners or glue.

System comes in different versions (clear acrylic track-beds/roads or MDF track-beds/roads) to suit various budgets.

The version using clear acrylic track-bed has the fancy look and lets you see through all the layers.

The version using 6 mm MDF track-beds has the same features as being modular, silent and strong but the price is much lower.

Custom helices with different radii and dimensions can be ordered. More layers can be added for lower climbing grades.

The current standard versions and prices are as below.

Helices w/Clear Acrylic track-beds/roads

Helix-50-505S (AC) (single track, radius 505mm)
Height 50 cm, 4,5 layers (R3 of Hornby, Peco Settrack, Branchline)
Price: 352 Euros

Helix-50-538D (AC) (double track, radius 505mm + radius 572mm)
Height 50 cm, 4,5 layers (R3 +R4 of Hornby, Peco Settrack, Branchline)
Price: 590 Euros

Helix-39-505S (AC) (single track, radius 505mm)
Height 39 cm, 3,5 layers (R3 of Hornby, Peco Settrack, Branchline)
Price: 295 Euros

Helix-39-538D (AC) (double track, radius 505mm + radius 572mm)
Height 39 cm, 3,5 layers (R3 +R4 of Hornby, Peco Settrack, Branchline)
Price: 480 Euros

Helices w/ MDF track-beds/roads

Helix-50-505S (MD) (single track, radius 505mm)
Height 50 cm, 4,5 layers (R3 of Hornby, Peco Settrack, Branchline)
Price: 255 Euros

Helix-50-538D (MD) (double track, radius 505mm + radius 572mm)
Height 50 cm, 4,5 layers (R3 +R4 of Hornby, Peco Settrack, Branchline)
Price: 320 Euros

Helix-39-505S (MD) (single track, radius 505mm)
Height 39 cm, 3,5 layers (R3 of Hornby, Peco Settrack, Branchline)
Price:225 Euros

Helix-39-538D (MD) (double track, radius 505mm + radius 572mm)
Height 39 cm, 3,5 layers (R3 +R4 of Hornby, Peco Settrack, Branchline)
Price: 272 Euros

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/JV-L0a1Fq4Q?rel=0

 

[David Todd]

Thank You Doug................

 

[Brian Considine]

A very useful bit of kit - I'm surprised that they are not used more - easy access to below scenic sections to storage/fiddle yards ?

 

[David Todd]

My thoughts for my storage area................

 

[kristopher1805]

Makes up well, hope it makes the sales targets, one day I will work something into the layout.

 

[ebaykal]

I agree, a useful product, specially if you are on the move, dismantling and erecting looks simple enough.

One piece of advice tough, for the ones using DCC, all current flow is done thru fishplates which has its ups and downs. It would be appropriate to have holes drilled thru the acrylic road beds for the ones that want to use droppers.

Good work

Erkut

 

[David Todd]

Thank you...........

QUOTE One piece of advice tough, for the ones using DCC, all current flow is done thru fishplates which has its ups and downs. It would be appropriate to have holes drilled thru the acrylic road beds for the ones that want to use droppers.

Good work

Erkut

 

[Doug]

I have ordered some of these modules to redo my existing return loop and to add the second loop. Not a helix, but I'll have the 2 separate return loops stacked on to of each other using these rods and road bed supports from Proses and suspended the whole thing from the ceiling of my garage.

I'll send some photos when it comes.

 

[Makemineadouble]

I'm sure you'll be happy with it Doug, it has excellent possibilities.

PS where this narrow gauge loco of yours is this project on the back burner ?

 

[Doug]

I am sure these loops will be great if made to the same standard as other products from the company.

Rich, I don't hang out too much in the shed over the Summer. I'm more likely to be on the lake on a boat or SUP board or in the river with water up to my knees. Getting a few indoor projects sorted out now as weather is grotty.

 

[harun]

Below is a section with MDF track beds.

 

[dwb]

The acrylic road bed version looks good in its own right. It would be a shame to hide something like that. If you had the space, you could use it to make a moving display case type system.

It's just as well for my wallet that the W trusses in my loft mean that having one level directly above another at that kind of spacing is nigh on impossible

David

 

[TonyDaly]

I would be worried about the MDF version as I have found that MDF needs a lot of support.
I used Plywood throughout my open top baseboard layout except for one little length where I used MDF as I had no ply available.
Now my layout room has a stable temperature & I found that the only place I had a any problem was where I used the MDF.
I had to provide extra support on that length because it was inclined to dip in the middle.

I'm not saying that it will happen here but its something I would have thoughts about.
I think this is a badly needed product & it seems to be very well designed.

 

[TonyDaly]

Is it my imagination or have we lost a post somewhere here. I could have sworn that there was a post after mine last night ?
Something about someone else's helix ?

 

[Free_at _last]

QUOTE (TonyDaly @ 22 Oct 2012, 11:19) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Is it my imagination or have we lost a post somewhere here. I could have sworn that there was a post after mine last night ?
Something about someone else's helix ?

Yes there was. The forum censor has been at work.

 

[Brian Considine]

QUOTE (TonyDaly @ 22 Oct 2012, 10:19) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Is it my imagination or have we lost a post somewhere here. I could have sworn that there was a post after mine last night ?
Something about someone else's helix ?

QUOTE (Free_at _last @ 22 Oct 2012, 10:43) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Yes there was. The forum censor has been at work.

This thread is for review/discussion on the Helix produced by Proses.

 

[harun]

One qustion.

Do you know which is the most popular track brand for HO in US?

We will start a range of helices for US and we want to start with one of the popular ones.

Thanks in advance.

Harun

 

[DavidBroad]

Does anyone have video of a rigid frame OO loco climbing a helix with a decent load? only my attempt at a 2nd radius (18") Radius Helix failed as my locos simply wouldn't pull a decent load as only a maximum of 3 driving wheels were on the track at a time, sprung chassis and diesels were fine but my Flying Scotsman was useless. The layout remains unfinished because it was obvious it would not work. I was trying for 6 coach trains on a 6 and a bit by 4 and a bit.

I notice Pecorama always seem to run their train down their Helix.

Is there any video proof that 56mm plus OO/ HO wheelbases can work on a helix?.

 

[TonyDaly]

I'd forgotten completely about this thread.
I wonder if anyone has bought one of these systems ?
I would still have a worry about the Mdf track bases.

 

[harun]

I personally prefer the acrylic bases as they are not affected by humidity.