I am helping a friend with a layout an to be honest I feel like I am trying to stuff 10 pounds of flex track in a 5 pound bag.
Problem is 3 fold.
1 Layout sizes. While to someone just starting in the hobby a 5 X 14 foot layout seems large. (some of you know who I am trying to help by now) It is really not that big when it comes to the next request!
2 He wants elevation..
3 He bought a Walther White Water Mining company. To make the mine a drive thought mine with a engine run a round using Atlas # 4 it is a about 8 feet long. I prefer not to make a dead end mine like mine ( I have one) because I never use it. I could use 2 Peaco 3 way turn outs and I would gain a little spaces but not a lot.
So far I have the Mine at 6 inch off the bases line of the layout. Part of my idea is to have the track run under the mine. If the mine is 6 inch off the base and I factor 1/2 plywood base that leaves 5.5 inches. I need 3.5 inches to clear rolling stock so I am down to 2 inches. Pules I must factor rail height for code 83 rail head. Radius so far is 22 inch turn and run length is 153 inch for a grade of 3.90 to the base of 0 inches. That sure won't work well!
So what grade will I need to clear the mine and not be on the layout base line? While I know that a 2% grade takes 100 inches to go up 2 inches after that I am a little lost? Might be the as well.
I am using the Atlas 8 track planner.
Thanks for the coming help!
Ken
I hate Rust
Ken, can you partially split the burden so that the mine is a bit higher/lower, and the track that needs to climb doesn't have to climb so much? I am having trouble understanding or picturing the situation, but maybe neither place needs to be where you presently envision it?
Secondly, you don't need a full 3.5 " clearance. I know that's the recommendation by the NMRA, but 2.75 will be okay for all but the highest exhaust on a switcher diesel and the stove chimney on a caboose. Of course, booms on wrecker cranes and double-stacks would not get through. Using a smallish Code 40 -code 50 rail there won't buy you any significant clearance.
Here is a handy table that might help you to figure out your distances and grades.
http://www.awrr.com/table4.html
Crandell
Ken -
What's the chance of posting a drawing or plan? It might help us understand the problem more clearly.
Brad
EMD - Every Model Different
ALCO - Always Leaking Coolant and Oil
CSX - Coal Spilling eXperts
twcenterprises Ken - What's the chance of posting a drawing or plan? It might help us understand the problem more clearly. Brad
True, Somewhat know what you're working on from following other thread, but have no clue as to where you are at w/ it now.
The mine structure can lowered to split the elevation. This will decrease the distance needed for the "ramp" up. Don't really want to put it in a hole, but done? sceniced propery could work out. If it really needs, the grade could be pushed up to 2 1/2 and not really unheard of 3%. Sounds like the space could only handle a half dozen hoppers anyway.
Modeling B&O- Chessie Bob K. www.ssmrc.org
I would love to post a picture, but I forget how to convert RTS 8 file to a picture file? I use to be able to do it. Anyone know how?
Thanks for the answers so far.
If it works like xtrkcad ... there's either an "export to bitmap" option, or you can probably do "file --> save as --> " and in the "type" box in the save dialogue, choose "bitmap (*.bmp)"
-Dan
Builder of Bowser steam! Railimages Site
Thanks Dan, I will try that if can find my files!
Some how I lost the files when I was trying to make jpg files out of them. What setting do I use when opening files in the RTS 8.0 to find the one I saved? I can find the files that I sent to My documents by clicking on My Documents, but not the ones I saved in RTS 8.0?
Ken, hit that darn wrong button again!
Hi Ken,
also for Atlas RTS 8 use "save as", and save the file as a BIT-map.On the bottom of the page you'l find this option.
And yes about 3,5 to 4 inches is sufficient for vertical clearence.
BTW though i read planning postings with lots of interest, the layout size you mentioned didn't ring a bell.
Paul