First for the newbie, a helix is basically a structure much like the toy slinky that allows a train to go round and round to gain elevation, usually to the second deck of a double decker or triple decker layout. A helix is usually blobby in shape and usually disguised as a mountain. It is a design that works, but it can really eat space. Also the trains can disappear in the mountain for a long time, which some find irritating. A nolix is an area that a train gains elevation, with out the round and round circles, like a slinky. In actual fact, most people build helix's because they are popular. Most people have never heard of a nolix. If they have heard of one, they are reluctant to build one because they aren't standardized like helix's (to be fair, I am over simplifying helix's here to save you from a long post). So I search for examples of nolix's to show you so that you can get your own creative juices (and courage) going to build one. Because of the reduced radius in N scale, they are really suited for that scale. So here is a track plan of a nolix area. Please note you won't see a reference to the term "nolix", but look at the track design and you will see a peninsula where the track gains elevation. That is a nolix: http://www.shendiv.com/design/lowerlevel.html [ 06. September 2002, 23:18: Message edited by: rsn48 ]
Regarding the threads about the N-Scale CR&E's "NOlix" & the CSX Shenandoah Division, some people had made refrences that sounded like they were not prototypical. That could be further from the case. "The Loops" on the CR&E are inspired from the Southern Railway (now NS) loops just west of Old Fort, NC and to a lesser extent by the former Clinchfield Loops south of Spruce Pine, NC. The CR&E's website is located at : http://home.att.net/~kntower/layout.htm The CSX Shenandoah Division's loops draw inspiration from the L&N's hook & eye route as well as the aforementioned loops in western North Carolina. The layout is already on it's second version, as the owner has bought a new home which will afford a layout size about 3 times larger than the Version 1.0. Construction photos & layout design are well documented on the website as well as pictures from the first layout at: http://www.shendiv.com/ Having operated on both layouts, I can say first hand, they are nothing short of spectacular. Sometimes it is best to look at the prototype for your best modeling results as these two owners have done. For those who say these are not prototype, I offer examples of Tehachapi, the DRGW's Front Range, The Spiral Tunnels in Canada, the two examples of looping trackage in western NC, & the L&N's Hook & Eye over in Tennessee. Take a look at 3 pictures from "The Southern Loops" west of Old Fort, NC for the real deal. Following the 3 images are maps from the "Southern Loops" & the "Clinchfield Loops." The former Southern Loops near Old Fort, NC. The former Clinchfield Loops near Spruce Pine, NC
One can also use prototypical locations and change them into a nolix. I am using the Fraser and Thompson canyon as my inspiration for nolix design. In the canyons, CN run track on one side of the Fraser and Thompson river, and CP on the other. So two competing railroads, side by each, so to speak (I know it is directional running now). I have a 6 1/2 by 6 1/2 foot L shaped Nolix area. I need to gain 20 inches so 80 feet of track. I won't bore you with all the details, but basically three times around the L shaped area. Soooooooooo.... I intend to have the first time around hidden, the second and third time around visible. The first visible loop (second) will be CN track through the canyon and the third loop CP track through the canyon (directional running really saves may bacon on this one). I have enclosed a paint from my favourite Canadian artist of my favourite rail fanning location in the canyons - the Cisco Bridges. Railfans from around the world come here to see this site (sight). This was my inspiration for a nolix... enjoy: http://www.islandnet.com/~pacific/jac-23.html So by finding areas that have multiple track, seperated by height can also be modeled as a nolix. Also, welcome aboard nsrlink... good to have you with us, will that be coach, bunk, roomette, or room please? [ 15. September 2002, 19:52: Message edited by: rsn48 ]
