Length of Approach for Descending?

[Frank53]

Would someone please let me know the amount of length I will need to decend 5" to a lower level?

I got a new monkey wrench thrown in the works, making it necessary for me to work in a narrow space. The layout I may end up using will be "J" shaped with the long end being 16' in length but only 35" wide. Perpindicular to one end I can add a 4x8.

I will be using only post war lionel and standard track with 31" radius curves and #22 switches.

I figure I can create a number of routes throughout the layout, but when I get down the 16' x roughly 3' stretch, I will only be able to come back with a reversing loop, as I want scenery area, as opposed to just running a "U" shape. I can share the reversing loop with a number of trains, but I can minimize the sharing by running another reversing loop under the main layout. I will need to descend to it and the train will re-emerge from it after navigating the lower loop. Hence, my question, how much descending approach will I need to get down the 5"?

I will have a lower level for a subway, so it is just a matter of building more platform to accommodate the loop and beginning ascent.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Frank, 125" of run would give you a grade of 4% to make your 5" drop. 4% is about the maximum practical grade for trains, real or model. The longer you can make the run the better.

[Frank53]

thanks BB - I think the train going under ground would be cool, and I also think there will lots of interesting scenery opportunities with a chasm to the lower level.

[AlanRail]

F53

take a look at Woodland Scenics Subterrian Incline system;

the stryafoam incline is premolded at 2%, 3% and 4%


Alan

[lionelsoni]

If you never want to climb but always to descend, I suspect that you could get away with a much steeper grade, in the vicinity of 10 percent. I would then pay special attention to making the transition smooth, since couplers have a way letting go at abrupt changes in grade.