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4% Grade

stan1
stan1's picture
Posts: 5
 Joined: 2008-05-29
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Hello! I am new to this forum, and hope to find many answers to my model railroading questions.
I have been around the hobby for years, but just recently started getting my layout together (actually it is only my 2nd layout).


It is an N scale layout - 36"x80". So far, it is going to start out as a regular DC layout with about 12 blocks.
I just purchased WS foam sub terrain system, and was concerned about my locos not making it up the grade. It is a 4% grade elevating to 1" over 24" (my risers are 1" risers - I didn't want to go higer than that. It seems to be a pretty steep incline to me. The 2% incline will only elevate to 1/2 inch, which is not high enough.

I obviously do not want to install the incline only to find out I need to take it up, and go with something different.


Should this concern me?
I just wondered what experiences anyone may have with this product.
I certainly appreciate any insight anyone may have to this topic.
Thanks a bunch!
Stan


‹ quick idiot coupling question... Free MR Newsletter Article: "Build a swinging gate for easy access to your model railroad" ›

Submitted by stan1 on Sun, 06/08/2008 - 09:30.

Jacko-Pat
Jacko-Pat's picture
Posts: 225
 Joined: 2007-11-16
Your 4 percent grades...........

   Stan it has been my experience that anytime you can ease the grade, you lower your levels of frustration. I had a layout once in HO, it had a 5 percent grade or there abouts. If a coupling parted the cars would come roaring backwards only to derail on the curve. Ever notice how railroads like to follow rivers? Water level grades, easier running AND your locomotives can pull more. Is there any way you can start the grade sooner? If you could raise the level of the base, IE raise where your level track is and yards and such. Then your grade wouldn't be quite as steep.

Jacko 

 



Sun, 06/08/2008 - 10:24

stan1
stan1's picture
Posts: 5
 Joined: 2008-05-29
Hi Jacko!Hey thanks so much

Hi Jacko!

Hey thanks so much for the feedback! I, too, considered raising the low end of the grade at the base to reduce the incline, but was not sure if that would work. Raising the yard area slightly just may be my easiest (and least expensive) option.

Thanks again 



Sun, 06/08/2008 - 10:38

Jacko-Pat
Jacko-Pat's picture
Posts: 225
 Joined: 2007-11-16
You're welcome Stan

   Stan that layout that I first had in HO was a real learning experience! It did give some skills however and some things I learned the hard way. This hobby is all about fun, and there is no fun in picking up derailed cars, or worse yet having them make a trip to the floor after leaving the layout! SCREAM!!!! I had a brass HO scale GN O-8 class mike make a trip to the floor once. After I stopped crying I was able to repair the pilot on it. This site is great, there is always somebody to offer assistance, or in some cases a funny remark.

Jacko 



Sun, 06/08/2008 - 14:01

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