Grades

[casconi]

Hello.
I'm in the midst of constructing my O guage layout. I would like to have one of my mainlines to be be able to go up and down grades. Is there a formula or standard that is used to figure the rise and length? Also, what is the best way to build this rise? I do not want to use trestles, but have it scenically blended into my layout. I'm using O72 Fastrack curves. Thanks in advance

[Anonymous]

Let me see if I remember this right... A one percent grade rises 1 inch in a length of 100 inches. A 2 percent grade rises 2 inches in 100 inches....... You can substitute any unit of measure. For instance ... a 2 percent grade also rises 2 miles in 100 miles.......The first's numbers relation to 100 is the percent of grade i.e. in the example 1 to 100 in. is a 1 percent grade. 2 to 100 is a 2 percent grade and so on, and so forth.

As for railroads , check with some others here but I believe a 3 percent grade would be a steep grade for a train to pull.

Hope this either totally confuses you ...or helps....Tim

[FJ and G]

Don't know about sectional track and how much it can flex in the vertical (probably somewhat). Formula from geology class is something like slope=rise over run. The important thing to do is to ease into the slope and ease out of the slope so there's no abruptness. That's about all ya need. Well, maybe a helper engine or two and a shot of tequilla.

[poppyl]

Less incline is better. That having been said, you can do 4% but you'll need a strong puller and a shorter string of cars behind it. 3% is more appropriate. Dave is absolutely correct that you need to ease into and out of the incline -- 2% at the top and bottom and 3 or 4% in the middle. If your incline and decline are separate tracks, you can do 4% on the incline but should keep the decline to no more than 3% to minimize the potential for runaway trains.

You can build your own ramps out of scrap lumber (1X3's, for example) with a plywood overlayment or Woodland Senics sells styrofoam risers. Most Hobbytown stores carry these risers at considerably lower price than Woodland sells them for on their website. Your local train store may also have them. Check out their website first.

Poppyl

[dwiemer]

Many have been using the insulating foam board available in places like Home Depot. This comes in 1, 2, or more inch thick and are 4 x 8 sheets. You can gradually build up sections of this to give you your grade. It is easily cut with a hot knife.
Dennis

[luther_stanton]

Today’s mainlines try to avoid anything greater than 3% grades – in fact 3% is considered steep. I built a grade into my mainline / passing track run close to 2.5%. It is enough to need some boost button on the TMCC up the grade to maintain speed and some braking action on the way down. I built it in to provide a little more action while running. It is also enough to cause a car to roll down if left alone.

As other have posted grade is rise over run. I took a run of 5 feet and figured that I needed a rise of 1.5 inches at the center of the grade to get the 2.5% (60 * .025). I am using Atlas track and had no problems with the track flexing or bending. I would not recommend starting, ending or changing grade in the middle of a switch. Keep switches on a constant grade for smooth operation.

Luther