I'm currently laying track on my (hopefully) soon to be completed branch line. I discovered that in order to keep the grade at no more than 2%, I had to move the start of the grade almost to the depot. That means a train stopping at the depot will have the loco on the 2% grade. My branch line trains are going to be pulled by a Ten Wheeler and will typically have 6-8 cars. These aren't very heavy locos and I could see it slipping as it tries to start upgrade. In such a situation, would a prototype ever back the train up along a level section and get a running start at the grade?
Nearly anything is possible, but it seems odd for a passenger train.
Something there are lots of prototype examples for is having a helper assist the train out of the station - there are examples of the terminal switcher helping the train get moving out of the station, and then cutting off once they got moving. Not sure about steam era, but definitely with diesels.
6-8 heavyweight cars seems like an awfully long train for a ten-wheeler to pull, even on level track.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinker 6-8 heavyweight cars seems like an awfully long train for a ten-wheeler to pull, even on level track. --Randy
I agree, but I wonder if they're all actually passenger cars. On a branchline, many trains were mostly freight cars, but often had a coach or combine on the rear of the train. That was to accommmodate whatever passengers might use the service, and also acted as a stand-in caboose for the tail-end crew.
I run more such mixed-trains and/or express trains with a rider-coach, than I do full passenger trains.
In many cases, if a helper were needed on a train which included passenger cars, it would be put on the head-end, rather than using it as a pusher.
Wayne
doctorwayne is correct. A mixed train runs daily in each direction with a combine for crew and passengers but there is also a commuter run morning and evening which is just a passenger train. Just two cars. If I can find a reliable doodlebug at a reasonable price, that will handle the commuter run.
I haven't laid the track beyond the depot yet so I haven't had a chance to see if the Ten Wheeler can pull out on it's own. A helper doesn't seem like a viable option because this town is the midpoint on the branch. The road engine handles the switching chores so it seems unlikely that an engine would be kept in this town under steam just to handle helper service once a day.
I got the idea for the back up move when taking train from Montreal to Halifax in the fall of 2017. Apparently this happened over night but on a couple grades, the train stalled due to wet leaves on the track. The train had to back up and take a running start to make it to the summit. It's one of the reasons the train was five hours late getting to Halifax which I later learned was normal for that run.
Hello All,
You could try to set up a test track to see if your motive power can start on a grade.
The grade could be replicated by foam core artboard; available at most office or art supply stores.
It comes in sheets of 20" x 30". A pack of three pieces can be found for around $15.00.
Cut the foam core into 2-inch strips, to replicate the roadbed, and use scrap pieces of foam (packing material) for the risers.
You can use silicone caulk to adhere the track to the foam core. This will allow you to harvest the track after the test.
Power the track; you can use test leads with alligator clips on both ends to do this from the pike to the test track.
The advantage of setting up a test slope is you can vary the steepness of the grade by moving the risers without having to have committed to the final build.
On my 4'x8' pike I have a curved 3% grade which an "Olde Tyme" excursion train lead by a USRA 0-6-0 with a Vanderbilt tender, pulling a consist of three 34-foot passenger cars, a 24-foot converted gondola, and a bobber caboose negotiates.
A 0-4-0 side tank porter is used on the end as a helper.
Once the grade has been topped the helper is cut loose and backs down.
Unlike your situation, this train begins on a level slope and transitions to the grade.
Keep us posted and...
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"