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turnout on the incline

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  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: BrisVegas
  • 176 posts
Posted by Grubby on Wednesday, October 12, 2005 1:45 AM
Just ensure that the turnout is only inclined in one plane and that the whole turnout is contained in the same plane and it will be fine. It is a mistake to try to incline along two axis or to have an incline starting at a turnout.
  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Wednesday, October 12, 2005 12:23 AM
I, also, have curves on a grade, but not a turnout. If your engine is heavy enough, powerful enough, your train light enough, your grade shallow enough, and your turnout fits into a nice 22" or higher diameter curve, you should have nothing to worry about. If you are running a lighter loco, with only six cars, as you suggest, keep your grade at or under 3%, maybe 3.5%, and your curve as wide as you can; you'll probably be just fine. Besides, it isn't permanent...
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 11, 2005 11:14 PM
I've read articles from "experts" all my life about NOT putting turnouts on grades, and how it's not a good idea. By the same token, almost every single layout I've ever seen has at least one turnout on a grade. I plan on having at least four on grades. Doesn't bother me one bit. Go for it.
  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Christchurch New Zealand
  • 1,525 posts
Posted by NZRMac on Tuesday, October 11, 2005 11:02 PM
I have had a turnout on a incline had no trouble with it ( it was a model power too ) just leave 6 - 12 " either side before the grade changes.

Ken.
  • Member since
    June 2005
  • From: Phoenixville, PA
  • 3,495 posts
Posted by nbrodar on Tuesday, October 11, 2005 10:52 PM
Turnouts on inclines in and of themselves are not bad. The problem come when the turnout is at the beginning or end. As long as the entire turnout is withing the steady plan of the grade, you should have no problem.

Take a Ride on the Reading with the: Reading Company Technical & Historical Society http://www.readingrailroad.org/

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Whitby, ON
  • 2,594 posts
Posted by CP5415 on Tuesday, October 11, 2005 10:47 PM
I have a switch on an incline. Right before a curve to boot!

I have not had any problems with this switch or any train using this switch even at a high rate of speed in either direction.
I have posted a shot of this switch.
It's a Shinohara #6 nickel silver straight out of the 60's.

Gordon

Brought to you by the letters C.P.R. as well as D&H!

 K1a - all the way

  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: CANADA
  • 2,292 posts
Posted by ereimer on Tuesday, October 11, 2005 10:24 PM
welcome !

turnouts on inclines are usually not a good idea , but if this is just for a temporary loop , go for it .
  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: Mp 126 on the St. Louis District of NS's IL. Div.
  • 1,611 posts
Posted by icmr on Tuesday, October 11, 2005 10:21 PM
[#ditto]
[#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome]



ICMR

Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]
Illinois Central Railroad. Operation Lifesaver. Look, Listen, Live. Proud owner and user of Digitrax DCC. Visit my forum at http://icmr.proboards100.com For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord. Dream. Plan. Build.Smile, Wink & GrinSmile, Wink & Grin
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Pacific NW
  • 733 posts
Posted by JohnT14808 on Tuesday, October 11, 2005 10:10 PM
Shucks, Alex, you don't really need a loop to run a train. Hook a couple of switches together with some flex and make a temporary yard and work on your switching techniques!!
You'll think of something. Best get that BLI out of the box and get the kinks worked out!...and Welcome to the forum!![#welcome]
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
turnout on the incline
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 11, 2005 10:01 PM
i have an around the room (double loop) layout that i have been doing at weekends, laying inclines, roadbed, tracks but nothing glued or permanent yet. i would like to get some trains running in a loop while i am finishing some parts of the layout. not long trains but just a loco and maybe 4 - 6 freight cars just to get me off the day's stress. the only way i see i can get a loop is to install a turnout in an incline. would greatly appreciate your feedback on whether this idea is sensible or practical. at the rate i am going it will be months when i get the track ends to meet. i have a up bli sitting in a box for almost two years now and i am itching to run it.

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