Who's layout has the steepest grades

[FJ and G]

Or should I say ruling grade?

My entire layout is built on a 2.25% grade. That means I cut or fill for the spurs.

BTW, if you wi***o see a nice grade, check this out. Also, look closely at the turnout.

[Big_Boy_4005]

That's called a stub switch Dave.

[FJ and G]

Hi Elliot,

Yes, I made one but am not currently using it on the layout. Must have taken a lot of effort to push it over. I don't see any switch stand so I think it took a couple of people with strong backs.

It is believed that this photo was taken about 50 years ago somewhere in West Virginia

[Anonymous]

I've never seen a switch that looked like that before. Why would a railroad use that kind of switch instead of a normal one?

Tony

[FJ and G]

Tony,

The other option is what is called a "split switch". However, it is more complex, with shaved point rails, switch rods, head blocks. Why hassle with that when you've got tough lumberjacks who can manhandle the stub into place?

Note the lack of ballast as well and note that the track simply follows the lay of the land

[csxt30]

Hi Dave, I Like that picture & maybe that RR didn't have much funds available at the time for ballast & better switches. I have a 2inch rise in 12 feet on my layout, don't know what % grade that is, but seems to work ok. Thanks, John

[selector]

Hi, Gents. My grade is near 3.7%, and looks it. I use it solely for a Lifelike Heritage 0-6-0 to pu***wo empty ore cars up it , and when half-way, it enters a timber tunnel portal and spirals up to a mine.

The loco is not large, nor is it powerful, as you would anticipate, so it struggles. If the track is the least bit dirty, it will spin and not make it up the grade.

i will attempt to add some weight to the loco when I add decoders.

I'm sure others have grades considerably steeper.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Actually the throwing mechanism for that is just a big lever standing upright with the fulcrum down low. The travel distance is not that great, and the fact that the stub ends are resting on those plates makes for less friction. The mechanical advantage and a little muscle will get the job done.

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by vitabile

I've never seen a switch that looked like that before. Why would a railroad use that kind of switch instead of a normal one?

Tony

Tony, a couple of reasons. First it is cheaper, less material, and no tapered points. Second, it is easier to keep clean in areas with heavy snow.

I suspect this is a narrow gauge logging railroad, and judging from the grade it used some kind of geared locomotive like a Shay, Climax, or Heisler. Because the grade is steep in both directions, this is probably a tail for a switchback.

[webenda]

QUOTE: Originally posted by csxt30
I have a 2inch rise in 12 feet on my layout, don't know what % grade that is, but seems to work ok.

John,

I checked back to see if anyone revealed the secret formula for calculating grade. Here it is...

---------------------SECRET---------------------
Grade in Percent = 100 x Rise / Run
---------------------SECRET---------------------

NOTE -- Rise and Run must be in the same units (inches, feet, meters, etc.)

Your run of 12 feet is 144 inches, therefore,
Grade in Percent = 100 x 2 / 144 = 1.4%

Don't tell anyone how you got the answer.[;)]

Wayne

[Anonymous]

I have a 3.125% grade into an elevated crossing with the same grade down on the other side. Causes an appreciable slowing until the engine crosses the hump and starts down the other side.

[csxt30]

[:)]Thanks Wayne & I did come up with that figure before, but wasn't sure, so thanks! Doug, I have that speed control on my new MTH eng. & it stays a constant speed on the inclines. I forget sometimes & go to compensate & then remember I don't have to! Thanks, John

[Anonymous]

I think I win, hands down. My BEEP goes straight up!

[wrmcclellan]

Vitable,

Stub switches were the common switch used by RRs in the 19th century when rail and trains were lighter and trains were slower. They were eventually outlawed for class 1's I believe. But many still exist - particularly on narrow guage. BTW - a stub switch is the best way to build a 3-way switch.

Here is an interesting web link for turnouts that also addresses stub switches.

http://www.du.edu/~jcalvert/railway/turnout.htm

Regards,
Roy

[underworld]

Wow! That is a crazy grade in the pic. Looks more like roller coaster material!

underworld

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