Modelrailway.pt Helix
MODELRAILWAY.PT Modular Helix System Precision Engineering. Effortless Assembly. Ultimate Layout Flexibility.
Building a reliable helix is one of the biggest challenges in model railroading — but it doesn’t have to be. The MODELRAILWAY.PT Modular Helix System turns complex geometry into a smooth, plug-and-play experience. Laser-cut with extreme precision, our intuitive modular kits let you build a rock-solid multi-level helix tailored to your exact layout needs.
Why Choose Our Modular Helix?
- Fail-Safe Precision: Laser-cut 8mm and 10mm premium plywood with interlocking joins ensures perfect alignment every single turn.
- Smart Track Alignment: Pre-engraved markings for sleeper width and cork trackbed (+5mm margin) eliminate guesswork during installation.
- Maximum Traction Safety: Designed with ultra-smooth transitions and a maximum gradient of under 3.0% to keep your trains climbing safely without stall or derailment.
- Level-by-Level Assembly: Our smart vertical support system allows you to assemble level by level, making track laying, wiring, and testing effortless before adding the next turn.
- Fully Reversible: Every section and support can be rotated 180°, allowing seamless left-hand or right-hand ascent.
- Tool-Free Modular Clips: High-durability 3D-printed clips secure sections effortlessly while allowing quick adjustments whenever needed.
Build It Your Way: Modular Starter & Expansion Kits
Start with a base kit and expand layer by layer to reach any elevation.
| Kit / Module | What’s Included & Key Specs | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Base Module Set | Complete frame system with M8 hardware & pre-drilled wiring passages. Available with or without timber base structure. | Your foundation (6-support base for standard 120x120cm layouts; 8-support option for larger radii). |
| First Lap Kit | Includes entrance section, starting curve, exit ramp, starting vertical supports, and 3D clips. (107mm total height, 72mm clear internal height). | The essential starter kit to launch your helix ascent. |
| Additional Lap Kit (360°) | 6x standard curves, intermediate vertical supports, and clips. (Gains 80mm height per lap). | Adding full 360° rotations to reach your upper staging levels. |
| Half Lap Kit (180°) | 3x standard curves, intermediate supports, and clips. | Fine-tuning the exit orientation to match your main layout direction. |
| Single Section Expansion | 1x standard curve, 1x support pair, and clips. | Micro-adjusting track height or entry angle with pinpoint accuracy. |
Custom Layouts & Non-Standard Radius Need a custom radius, custom track distance, or a multi-track solution? We build custom helix systems to match any brand or track standard. [Contact Us]
Note: This full description applies to a 6-support Helix; the 6-support configuration is suitable for radius fitting within a 120cm x 120cm modular base.
For radius exceeding these dimensions, the helix requires 8 supports to ensure structural integrity and sturdiness.
The Helix’s will be carried out according to the standard radius made available by the main brands
GEOMETRY
The base of the helical ramp is made of 10 mm thick plate and is composed of 4 “L” modules, 2 left and 2 right.
The ramps and vertical supports are made of 8 mm plywood, cut at leisure and with fittings, either for fixing to the base or for fixing the ramp sections.
This configuration allows the realization of ramps for single or double track with a minimum development of 80 mm per lap divided by 6 supports.
The slope will not exceed 3.00% on the inland road. assembly.
Total height for First lap – 107mm
Total height for each Additional lap – 80 mm
Clear internal height – 72.0 mm
The entrance and exit of the ramp can be made at any of the ramp division points.
The connection between the various modules is made using M8 hexagonal head screws, nuts and their respective washers through holes positioned at the tops.
Larger diameter holes were also make for the passage of electrical wiring.
ELEMENTS
In addition to the base modules, the ramp itself is composed of several 8 mm plywood parts and 3D printed parts.
All sections of the Helix have two markings for placing the track in the exact location.
-Marking with the width of the sleepers.
-Marking for placing the trackbed with 5mm extra on each side.
The vertical supports were designed to allow the assembly of the level-to-level ramp, facilitating all the work of laying the tracks and electrification.
– entrance section
– curved starting section
– standard curved sections
– exit section
– set of vertical supports
– 3D printing connection clips
START OF THE HELIX
Similar to the initiation sets that trains brands make available for those who want to start in this hobby, MODELRAILWAY.PT proposes a base Kit that contains all the elements necessary for the construction of a helix that, complemented with other Kit’s, the modeler can build his Helix in a personalized way and appropriate to his needs.
BASE
We allow you to choose between Base Module or Base only.
-With Base Module ,this is for customers who are just starting out and don’t have any structure. (This structure is compatible with our entire modular system)
-With Base only ,this is for customers who already have their own structure.
COMPOSITION
BASE:
– 2 x LEFT BASE MODULE
– 2 X RIGHT BASE MODULE
The connection between the various modules is made using M8 hexagonal head screws, nuts and their respective washers through holes positioned at the tops. Larger diameter holes were also provided for the passage of electrical wiring.
WITHOUT BASE:
– 6 x BASE
Mounting bases for supports (sold without base modules), for those who already have their own base.
FIRST LAP
The first lap is essential for the construction of the helix because it includes the starting ramp, the first curve (which is different from the others), the exit ramp, and the side supports give us the beginning and end of the support.
The final side supports should be placed starting from the exit ramp (in order from smallest to largest), so that all towers will have the same height, allowing any project to be done on top of them.
VERTICAL SUPPORTS:
– 6 x START INT SUPPORTS
– 6 x START EXT SUPPORTS
– 6 x FINISH INT. SUPPORTS
– 6 x FINISH EXT. SUPPORTS
The configuration of the supports allows the upper part to always end at the same height, allowing the ramp to be covered with a plate, thus allowing its decoration or use.
The overlap of the support elements allows the assembly of the ramp section by section and the fixation between them is made with the clips.
NOTE: the supports were designed to be rotated 180º thus allowing the ramp to be mounted on the left or right,
CLIPS:
– 4 x SMALL CLIPS
– 4 x MEDIUM CLIPS
– 20 x LARGE CLIPS
Produced in resistant and flexible material through 3D printing allow easy and stable fixing with the advantage of being able to be removed easily and quickly as well..
HELIX:
– 1 x STRAIGHT SECTION OF ENTRANCE
– 1 x CURVED SECTION OF START
– 5 x CURVED SECTIONS STANDARDS
– 1 x STRAIGHT SECTION OF EXIT
Produced in plywood of 8 mm thickness, cut to lazer and with fittings that allow correct positioning in an easy and precise way.
NOTE: all the sections, straight or curved, were designed to be able to be inverted thus allowing, to mount the left or right ramp.
ADDITIONAL LAPS
Allows you to build a full lap – 360º, overcoming a height of 80 mm.
COMPOSITION
CURVED SECTIONS/ SUPPORTS / CLIPS:
– 6 x STANDARD CURVED TRACTS
– 6 x INTERMEDIATE INT. SUPPORTS
– 6 x INTERMEDIATE EXT. SUPPORTS
– 24 x LARGE SINGLE PIECES CLIPS
HALF LAP
To be applied to the final lap. This way the exit ramp to face the same direction as the starting ramp.
COMPOSITION
CURVED SECTIONS/ SUPPORTS / CLIPS:
– 3 x STANDARD CURVED TRACTS
– 3 x INTERMEDIATE INT. SUPPORTS
– 3 x INTERMEDIATE EXT. SUPPORTS
– 12 x LARGE SINGLE PIECES CLIPS
INDIVIDUAL PART
To be applied at the end or at the beginning to adjust the entry of the layout
COMPOSITION
CURVED SECTION/ SUPPORT / CLIPS:
– 1 x STANDARD CURVED TRACTS
– 1 x INTERMEDIATE INT. SUPPORTS
– 1 x INTERMEDIATE EXT. SUPPORTS
– 4 x LARGE SINGLE PIECES CLIPS
FINAL EXAMPLE
Below is an example of a Helix that uses all these solutions (compatible with our dual-level modules).
COMPOSITION
-1x base module
-1x first lap
-3x additional laps
-1x half lap
-1x individual part
For any project involving dimensions outside standard radius or requiring other solutions, please contact us.