Is grade calculated the way I think it is? ie If the track goes up 2" over a distance of 100" then it is a 2% grade?
Yes.
Paul
unless there is a curve
Hint that affects pulling power, not the actual grade.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Its just the slope of the track, similar to the line equations used in algebra. So (rise/run)*100 = grade%. However, it is worth noting that curving up on a grade can increase strain even further on a model locomotive. Just because it can go up a straight 2% grade doesn't mean it will like that same slope on a curved track (in physics terms we can treat a straight track as only being in the x,y coordinate system; but a curved track on grade would need to be modled in a x,y,z coordinate system increasing the variables in calculation and work needed to be done by the engine). I don't have any quantitative numbers to tell which slopes and curves would work for you, it might involve some testing on your part with some temporary track and some of the locomtives and cars you would want to run on the layout.
xboxtravis7992I don't have any quantitative numbers to tell which slopes and curves would work for you,
And I couldn't remember, but in HO scale you add to the grade
percent grade + 32/radius. N scale is different.
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/221186.aspx
Thank you John Allen