4 percent grade

[Anonymous]

[?] Have I got this figured right ? On a 4 percent grade, the track would go Up (or down) 4" after traveling 100" ? Seem to me that on a lot of the layouts that I am seeing here (I look at alot of the pictures you guys post) that the inclines are alot steeper that that. What is the steepest incline that HO scale engines (on average) can handle say with a 10 car combination?
thanks, [:D] ennout

[MAbruce]

Your calculation is correct. However, 4% is actually on the steep side. The rule of thumb is not to exceed 3%. Between 1% and 2% is ideal.

As far as engines go, it really depends on the quality & power of the loco and weight of the cars.

I have a 2% grade and find that it takes double (even triple) the motive power to get the train up the grade.

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ennout

[?] Have I got this figured right ? On a 4 percent grade, the track would go Up (or down) 4" after traveling 100" ? Seem to me that on a lot of the layouts that I am seeing here (I look at alot of the pictures you guys post) that the inclines are alot steeper that that. What is the steepest incline that HO scale engines (on average) can handle say with a 10 car combination?
thanks, [:D] ennout

Depends on what you are running. I run small steamers. Of the 15, only 3 can get 10 cars up a 3.1% grade. My Heisler was not one of them. All these cars had metal wheels.

I have a 3.7% down grade that when I reverse the engines and climb, only one can get 3 cars up the grade, the rest 1 or zero.

Helpers can be of aid, but if this is a mainline, do you really want to do that every time you take a lap.

Based on my experiences with my current layout, I'm limiting my new layout to 2%

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys, I will limit my grades to about 2.5 degrees. I am going to be running mostly 4-4-0's, even thou I do have a 80 ton shay (Spectrum) and a 2-8-0 (Spectrum also). I am just starting my layout in my room 20' x 20' (approx). The wife doesn't get to come in unless she is invited - mostly because I don't want her knowing what I have bought. I just keep telling her that I have had this stuff for years when she sees any thing new! By the way the room is "All MINE ". This finely a dream coming true. By the way I do have a DCC (MCR Protogy Advanced) system (new in the box) that I am going to be hooking up, not sure how, but I am going to have a hell of a lot of fun trying to figure it out. I also have a couple MCR steam decoders to hook up also. I don't think that will be so hard to hook up. I wish I knew how to put some pictures on here, I would post some. I have about 1/3 the frame work build.
I am always willing to listen (and looking for) advice when it come to my trains.
Thanks again guys, ennout [:D]

[ARTHILL]

I do up to 10% on my logging and mining spurs. I have main line up to 4% but I am doing a branch line at best. When I finaly add a main line I will limit to 2% an 36 in curves.

[jwar]

Hi ennout.
Your on target figuring the grade percentage, but dont forget the rolling resistence as it turns in the curves will act like a steaper grade, opposed to just climbing a straight grade.

Most engines should have no problem pulling ten cars up a 3% grade. ( I nailed some track on a 12 foot 2/4 in the garage, then adjusted several different grades) Depends on condition of the engine, and weight for tractive effort. I pull 25 cars up a 2.75 grade that increases to, if I remember corectley to about 3.68 % in the curves.

I will have a short 6% grade leading to the roundhouse leads, but this will be just engins.

My suggestion is to keep the grade managable if you ever want to change your mind and pull long trains. ...take care...John

[Anonymous]

Thanks again guys, all your help is greatfully needed. I may not be one to give advice yet, but I will in the years to come.

[bogp40]

Don't forget to take into consideration your up easings and over easings when you calculate the distance for the grades.Too sharp a transition at the bottom or top of such steep grades can cause uncoupling or derailments. These transitions can eat up some valuable distance, causing an even steeper grade than anticipated.
Bob K.

[markpierce]

American (4-4-0) locomotives are notoriously poor on tractive effort, particularly on any grades. Presuming you're modeling pre-20th century, I'd recommend Moguls (2-6-0s) since these were the "mountain" power of those times (so perhaps you can pull six or seven freight cars up your grades rather than three or four.)

[TBat55]

Use lots of sand [(-D]