Question on this months CTT 4x8 up & over layout

[rack776]

I really like the 4x8 up & over layout in this months CTT magazine, I love the design and number of turnouts with the bridge and tunnels,  I have one question about the grades on it.

I only have 2 Locomotives at this time a 1947 #675 and a 1949 671, neither has magnatraction is it possible to operate these 2 Locos on a small layout with a grade that steep?  I would not run more than 3-5 postwar cars behind either of the engines.    Anyone think it would work or will they sit and spin their wheels?

Is there a good reference for 4x8 size layouts that use 0-31 track? I have a bunch of 0-31 and only enugh room for a small layout. I dont see any "new" postwar  magnatraction engines in my future for awhile so I cant just buy a better engine either.

Thanks for any input or advise - Jason

[lionelsoni]

Depending on how much clearance you need to create where the tracks cross, the ruling grade for that layout looks to be about 4 percent.  But thats only for one direction.  The grade in the other direction is much gentler, possibly as low as 2 percent.  I don't know whether your specific locomotives and cars can make it up the steeper incline; but I'd say you have a pretty good chance of being able to run in the other direction.  There's no way to turn the train on that layout anyway; and the easier direction works well for switching in the yard.

[fifedog]

Jason, if you are only running Postwar equipment, you probably can taper that 5" clearance down to what you need. 

Thor's trains is well known for having layout plans.

[rack776]

Thanks for the responses, I have considered flipping or using a mirror image of this plan, I also considered building bench work that would allow the lower level to drop below the table top so I can split the difference on the grades,... That might be alot of work for my first layout, I was planning on using a flat 4x8 board so I can make changes if I get bored with the track plan, Using  bench work and a cut through table kind of forces me into a permanate layout.

I will try to  set up a test track too see if my engines can even run on any grades.

I kind of realized I have to keep my set up portable and I dont know if dragging a 4x8 sheet with plaster mountains through a doorway and up & down stairs would be practical in my situation.....a guy can dream right?  Man reality gets in the way of toy trains sometimes...who needs a living room!

Thanks for the reminder about the thor site, I have used his N scale plans before I forgot about the O section DOH!

http://www.thortrains.net/marx/drlay311.html I'm looking at the top layout to get me started in O,  I have a used door that would work well for for it.  I guess It might be usefull to "pratice" on this style layout to make sure I can wire switches & blocks and run the trains before building a bigger complicated layout that requires built in scenery.

Thanks for letting me think out loud - Jason

[nickaix]

Do set up the test track. The info you get will be useful, and besides, test tracks are fun! Find a good, straight 2x4 to tack some track onto. 8 feet = 96 inches, so if you raise one end 2" you will have a "good enough" 2% grade (actually a little steeper).  Of course, curves add to the drag of the train, so you will want to test steeper grades than your intended maximum. After you are done, cut up the 2x4 for table legs.

Regarding making things portable, maybe you can build the mountain on its own plywood base, so that it can be removed from the table, and each moved separately. You can cut the track at the points where it crosses onto the mountain section so that the track can come away with the mountain. Install a lockon on either side of the cut, and run wires between them to bridge the gap electrically.