Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
First let me say that if you go to your local library you should be able to get several very informative books about model railroading that will help you. The way I calculate scale is as follows and I am sure there are others ways, object feet dived by 160 ( N SCALE ) times 12, IE, a 40 foot box car 40' dived by 160 = .25 times 12 =3.0 inches thats the length of a 40' box car in N scale, 60' would be 4.5 inches, 80' would be 6inches etc.. Grades, the rise or fall of track is, a 1 inch rise in 100 inches = a 1% grade, 2 in. = a 2% grade , 3 in. = a 3% grade etc. also a 1 inch rise in 50 inches = a 2% grade, I am sure that you can figure the rest out. I would set a 2% grade max if you must have a grade, you may still need 2 or more engines to pull a decent amount of cars. I was going to build my N scale layout with a 4 % grade and after talking with a few well informed railroaders decided againts it, all my track is level and my scenery raises and drops and I can pull a consit where the front of the engine can almost touch the rear of the last car with no problems. Hope this helps some and good luck with your layout. <br />Beeline
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!