Reposted from the prototype information forum.
I want to model an abandoned part of CNW's Alden sub from the juction near Gifford Iowa northwards to Eldora. The fragment of a USGS map below shows the descent into and climb out of the valley of the Iowa river.
The group I belong to doesn't want actual grades on the modules.
The height difference from prairie to river is 100 ft, 90 ft to the track which gives 19 and 17 cm in N scale respectively.
So, how can I model the grade without actually modelling it? Having the landscape rise slowly makes for many modules, an abrupt cliff next to a (nearly) flat module is not very convincing.
greetings,
Marc Immeker
I copied some of the answers from the other thread
Chuck (TomikawaTT) gave me this answer:
One thing that says, "This track isn't level," is the fact that all the telephone poles, signposts and fences are vertical - and not at right angles to the rails. \\\\\ ||||| ///// and you've dipped down, crossed the watercourse and climbed back out of the valley - while the track is, in fact, dead level.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - where I don't have to fake the grades)
Mikebo gave me this answer:
You can create the look of grade to a degree by having the scenery around your track rise up and drop away. That's how some our clubs modules create the look of mountain scenery. Remember that the railroads tried to flatten the grades as much as they could so it is very realistic to have higher and lower areas around track.