Can someone please explain this?

[Anonymous]

Hi All,
I am trying to start my layout development. I need to create an incline/ramp to gain 10 inches in height to get to my next track level. I ran across this on the internet:
http://www.datavisioninc.com/images/de_1.jpg It stands about 11 inches tall. Can someone please check out the image and let me know what this is and how it could possibly be used?

Thank you in advance,
--gary

[Anonymous]

hey i am new to this web so mabe u could tell me how to do this and what this is for thank you[:)]

[DSchmitt]

Looks like it might be for a model roller-coaster

[Anonymous]

My little brother (who is 40 now) had stuff like this for his hot wheels but this looks more like parts for a roller coaster.

[dave9999]

Dont know, but it definitely isnt what you would use to get you trains up a level. You would need an
incline of about 2% at most IMO. Or you could build a helix if space is limited. Dave

[Jetrock]

yeah, it definitely looks like something hot-wheels or toy-car related. Using it for model railroading would be completely out of the question.

A bi-level layout needs a helix or a very, very long run.

[Anonymous]

Years ago there was a (roughly) HO scale train that was more slot-car-i***han real-world model. The train had magnetic wheels and (I'm assuming) steel tracks and did loops, and could climb up walls.

This looks like something from that. It is most likely useless for true model purposes.

Rob

[dave9999]

Gary, Where did you find the picture? Dave

[Anonymous]

It is a piece from an auction on Ebay. They don't know much about it either. It was apparently part of an estate sale.

[n2mopac]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dave9999

Dont know, but it definitely isnt what you would use to get you trains up a level. You would need an
incline of about 2% at most IMO. Or you could build a helix if space is limited. Dave

This is true, 2% at maximum. But at that grade you would need 41.5 feet of strait run to rise 10 inches. I think you should look into an helix unless you have an incredible amount of space for this long climb.
Ron

[Anonymous]

Folks, but 2% is too few also for HO scale. I saw the good inclination for the ramp could be 5%. That is in 1000mm you can reach 50mm. I think this coud be right.
Paolo

[Anonymous]

Paolo - your math is correct, but 5% is steep enough to look like a steep hill, which the prototype roads didn't have - except for logging and mining roads, which were often narrow gauge. It will also cause a significant reduction in pulling power of your locos. If you are running 30-40 cars, don't count on getting them up all in one shot unless you have lots of helpers.

Having said that, if your 5% grade is hidden, and you are running short trains, and you need to gain altitude in a hurry, then go for it...

Andrew