Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
5.5% is definately steep. A strong (and heavy) diesel could pull that load, but don't count on most off-the-shelf steamers doing it. It'll be groaning under the load for sure, especially if you're hauling loads of coal.... You MAY want to look at starting your incline as a mountain at one end of your layout as you make the turn to go up to the next level. By starting the climb as you approach the mountain, and then climbing around the mountain you can greatly add to your climbing room. For instance, if you started the climb 4' from the mountain (curve) and climbed through the curve, you could add quite a bit. I'd definately keep the incline to 4% TOPS, nothing more. 3% is even better. Also, make sure that you ease into and out of the grades. For instance, 1% on the first foot, 2% on the second, 3% on the third, etc. Running your grade like this, you'd see the following elevations: Foot Evevation 1 1/16" 1% grade 2 5/16" 2% grade 3 11/16" 3% grade (keeping it through the curve, 24" radius curve) 4 through 11 stays at 3% grade and climbs 3/8" per foot. The curve would take up 6' of track, and place you roughly 2 1/2 feet down the wall. At the end of the curve you'd be at 3 11/16", which would put you at about 3 1/2" ahead of the game. At that point you COULD increase the climb rate to 4%, which would be 15/32" per foot climb (just over 7/16" per foot) if you definately wanted to "go for it" on the climb. This would put the total climb up to 11" (7 3/8" + 3 11/16"). STILL not enough room between levels, as most people want 18 to 24" between levels. You need either more wall space, or a helix to climb betwen levels. Have you thought about that? I'm currently building a new layout, and SOME of the climbs are at 3.5%, but they''re along mountainous terrain which I hope will tend to camoflauge the steepness of the climb. Mark in Utah
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

Subscriber & Member Login

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!

Subscriber & Member Login

Edit post

Post Body

Tags (Optional)

Subscriber & Member Login

Users Online

Search the Community