Since I had to decide what type of construction (spline vs other) to use in two helixes, and with the comments that I received from the post I made the other day, I've come up with a concept on how to build a test helix that combines spline sub-roadbed with two straight sections to reduce the virtual grade.  The first jpg (n-scale helix top design) depicts a general drawing of the helix entrances and exits.  The second jpg (n-scale helix 1) depicts how I plan to construct the test helix.  I was particularly concerned about the gaps on the sides and the middle that woul

  Finally I have made some headway on the layout!  I got the last filler module glued and screwed together last night.  I drilled a largish hole for the wiring to pass thru the endplates and got all the modules bolted together.  They still need to be shimmed and then screwed to the shelf brackets.

I have cut the first plywood subroadbed. I have decided to start with the east end of the railroad and work my way west.

I have made small changes already to the plan - I left out a siding because it looked too crowded - but in general my ideas seem to work out so far. It certainly helps that this is the third edition of the G&AM, doing it over and over again can improve your work!

I've done it: the benchwork is complete and 65 lights have been installed. Now I can start cutting plywood. We will see whether my track plan survives the contact with reality.