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Curve In A 3% Grade

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  • Member since
    March 2015
  • 1,358 posts
Posted by SouthPenn on Wednesday, November 23, 2016 10:20 PM

If you are worried about stringlining, why would you add super elevation and compound the problem?

South Penn
  • Member since
    January 2014
  • 1,500 posts
Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Thursday, November 24, 2016 11:26 AM

Old Fat Robert

So, here is the question that comes to my mind. Do we "report" the effective grade on these curves to include the 32/R figure or merely go with the rise/run mathmatics. I have some 26 in. radius curves that by rise/run figures are at 2.5% grade . Should I be explaining to visitors that on those curves we are really looking at 3.73%? This is a significant difference and it would (it seems) matter greatly to those among us that are really in to the details of the hobby. 

Why not report both the actual physical grade and the effective grade? Could be a learning opportunity for your guests. Model railroaders will recognize the difference right off. But before you print signs/labels and whatnot, you might want to wait just a little while. As reported eariler in this thread (and perhaps elsewhere as well), the LDSIG is conducting experiments to gather some data to see if the 32/R number still holds up.

Robert (Middle Age and a Little Plump)

LINK to SNSR Blog


  • Member since
    June 2011
  • 158 posts
Posted by Old Fat Robert on Thursday, November 24, 2016 11:32 AM

Carl425: I asked the question in an attempt to learn more about (model) railroading. For me, it is a 2.5% grade. And when a casual visitor inquires about the grade that would be the answer. If you or Tony Koester visited my layout, I would hope to be able to supply you with a more complete answer. Thank you for your response. The track charts you mentioned in your reply would not generally be available to the public, would they?

Thanks again

Old Fat Robert

  • Member since
    August 2013
  • From: Richmond, VA
  • 1,890 posts
Posted by carl425 on Thursday, November 24, 2016 11:55 AM

Old Fat Robert
The track charts you mentioned in your reply would not generally be available to the public, would they?

The ones I was refering to are in the book "N&W Clinch Valley Line".

You can find it here:

http://www.nwhs.org/commissary/Books-Others.html

The track charts are available here:

http://www.multimodalways.org/archives/rrs/NS/NS%20Track%20Charts/NS%20Track%20Charts.html

I have the right to remain silent.  By posting here I have given up that right and accept that anything I say can and will be used as evidence to critique me.

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