N Scale Questions

[Anonymous]

I am making the switch from HO Scale model railroading to N Scale, and have several questions.

1) Is a 3% grade achievable for most locomotives?

2) My layout will be on 4 x 8 plywood, with 2" Foam overlay. I was wondering if a 2" elevation difference between tracks is enough for cars and locos to pass under? Any help to these questions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[MAbruce]

Hello and welcome to N-scale!

I consider a 3% grade getting too steep. It's doable, but depending on how long you want to run your tains, you will likely have to run extra locomotives. I personally wouldn't go above a 2% grade.

A 2" clearance should be more than enough in N-scale. If you measure the highest pier in an Atlas set, it is about 1.75" high. I haven't seen any other pier makers go above 2" (but I could be wrong).

By the way, Woodland makes a styrofoam riser set. I just put one on my layout (2% grade to 4" - but I only went to 3"). It's a great product and accommodates curves very nicely. They do make a 3% grade if you are interested.

[Anonymous]

Hi and welcome to N-gauge

I would agree with Bruce and if interested in steam engines stay away from grades altogether. They really cut down on the number of cars you can pull to say the very least. As far a the clearence I now go two and a quarter inches. On my last layout I used the Atlas piers as a gauge and it worked out just fine. Then I bought a great northern steam engine and it did'nt go under the bridge it ran into it. Ha' Ha' We live and we learn. Have fun. Ron

[MAbruce]

Wow, as I don't run steam I didn't realize the extra clearance required. I guess 2" and above would be the safe bet. I'm using some Atlas piers, but have to mount them on footings to get the extra elevation to get to 3".

[Anonymous]

I have a 2.5% grade on my layout and do just fine. Funny thing about having a steep grade is that it is a good excuse to run short trains. I operate both HO and N and will tell you that N is the way to go. Welcome aboard.