There is a trend to try and "open" up the helix, which sounds like what the N scale article is suggesting. What I am pushing for is the realization that a helix (nolix) can be L shaped, V shaped, N Shaped, S shaped, whatever works in people's layout space. The one advantage I didn't mention is that removal of a constant curve reduces the curve effect on train drag, thus effectively increasing the grade. Some suggest a constant curve can add up to a 1/2 % in a helix. So a 2% grade becomes a 2.5% grade. So using an oval, rectangle, L shaped, S shaped, etc, would either reduce the grade effectively. Or, you could increase the grade slightly and still be within the grade guidelines of a "traditional" helix. So for example, a 2.5% grade in an S shaped or L shaped Nolix, would be the equivelant of a 2% grade in a helix. And although that .5% grade difference doesn't sound significant, it can knock off a lot of feet in the grade, if you are raising the track 20 inches as I am. Using 2 inches to the 8 feet as a 2% grade (it is slightly over actually, but it keeps the math simple, for guys like me...lol), you would need 80 feet of track, but with 2.5 grade, 64 feet of track, so a 16 foot difference. This difference could be critical in smaller sized layout rooms.
