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DREW Staging

Helix to Middle Level

Philadelphia Division:

Lemoyne

Harrisburg

ROCKVILLE

Marysville

BANKS

Middle Division:

Cove

VIEW

Duncannon

Helix to Upper Level

Pittsburgh Division:

Kittaning Point

Horseshoe Curve

MG

The Allegripus

Bennington Curve / BF

SF

Tunnel Hill / Gallitzin

AR / UN

MO

Cresson

Helix to Lower Level

ASH Staging

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Helix One

The first helix starts at the west end of the East Staging Yard on the lower level and carries five tracks upward. The inner four represent the PRR's main line out of Philadelphia, Pa. It would carry both passenger traffic from the traditional mainline and freight traffic that would have rejoined the main at ROY from the Royalton Branch to Columbia, Pa. The outer track carries Reading traffic from the Rutherford Yard and Northern Central Branch traffic.

Tracks are spaced 1.5" apart, with the innermost track at a 22.5" radius. The radius was determined based on the required rise per turn (4") vs. the grade it would create. At 22.5", the innermost track will still have a grade of 2.5%.

At 2.5 turns a turnout allows Northern Central Branch traffic to leave the outermost track (fifth track) and enter the viewable portion of the layout at Lemoyne.

The helix ends at 3.5 turns. The outermost track, carrying the Reading interchange traffic, remains hidden. The four mainline tracks enter Harrisburg.

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