math question?
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Absolutely not.
1/4inch over 12 inches is 1 in 48. That's about a 2.1% grade.
3/8" over 12" will give you a 3.1%. ((3/8)/12)*100% = 3.125%
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cv_acr
Well-Known Member
Well I did some refiguring so let's see if I did it right 1/4 inch of rise per foot figure gives me an even 3%
Absolutely not.
1/4inch over 12 inches is 1 in 48. That's about a 2.1% grade.
3/8" over 12" will give you a 3.1%. ((3/8)/12)*100% = 3.125%
D&J RailRoad
Professor of HO
3.1% grade. Kinda steep. Don't forget to figure in your easement. Ya don't just go from level to 3.1%, i.e. sharp angle, so the transition takes up some of your run out room, thus making your grade even steeper.
linnamillet
New Member
aw. i didn't realized everybody here loves math.
I would work it out so you have no more than a 2 % grade period.
REmember a 2" rise over 100" {8 feet 4 inches} is a 2% grade,. A 1% grade is a 1" rise over 100".
Don't forget easments and curves will INCREASE teh EFFECTIVE Grade on the train!
I learned the hard way that a 4% grade was TOTALY unrealistic and scrapped THAT layout.
I also found out a 3% grade was TOTALLY unacceptable. And TORE down THAT layout too.
I finally settled on 1-2% and THATS IT. I will never have more than 1% or 2%EVER again!.
I also use Woodland scenics foam inclines and risers.
available here:
http://www.wholesaletrains.com/HOProducts2.asp?Scale=None&Item=WDSSUB
So I was SURE I had a good easy grade. They may be a bit pricey if you need a lot, but well worth it. They are flexible so they can do curves, can be cut to any length you need, and work well. They come in several grades BUT AVOID THE 3 and 4% grades at all costs!!!
To use you put down an incline to start, then put down a riser {like a level pillar} and put the next incline on top of it. and procceed until you get teh height you want. Works the same way on a down grade. If you need a level area at teh top..use the solid riser it is level height.
I used them to be sure to have fluctuations in my final layout so I don't have a "plywood prairie" where everything is on the same level. It gives changes in elevations and undulations inthe terrain. Works fo me.
REmember a 2" rise over 100" {8 feet 4 inches} is a 2% grade,. A 1% grade is a 1" rise over 100".
Don't forget easments and curves will INCREASE teh EFFECTIVE Grade on the train!
I learned the hard way that a 4% grade was TOTALY unrealistic and scrapped THAT layout.
I also found out a 3% grade was TOTALLY unacceptable. And TORE down THAT layout too.
I finally settled on 1-2% and THATS IT. I will never have more than 1% or 2%EVER again!.
I also use Woodland scenics foam inclines and risers.
available here:
http://www.wholesaletrains.com/HOProducts2.asp?Scale=None&Item=WDSSUB
So I was SURE I had a good easy grade. They may be a bit pricey if you need a lot, but well worth it. They are flexible so they can do curves, can be cut to any length you need, and work well. They come in several grades BUT AVOID THE 3 and 4% grades at all costs!!!
To use you put down an incline to start, then put down a riser {like a level pillar} and put the next incline on top of it. and procceed until you get teh height you want. Works the same way on a down grade. If you need a level area at teh top..use the solid riser it is level height.
I used them to be sure to have fluctuations in my final layout so I don't have a "plywood prairie" where everything is on the same level. It gives changes in elevations and undulations inthe terrain. Works fo me.
jeffrey-wimberly
Dr Frankendiesel
Here's an easy to use grade calculator.
Yep, some of us do like math.
As to grades on a layout: For Mainline operation a 2% max is a good rule of thumb. However, you could put in a steeper grade on one part of the layout and then require a Helper engine to move the train up that grade like was and still is done on Horseshoe Curve on the PRR (now Conrail) main west of Altoona, PA.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horseshoe_Curve_(Altoona,_Pennsylvania)
http://www.railroadcity.com/altoona_horseshoe_curve/index.php
http://www.trainweb.org/oldtimetrains/CPR_Bruce/horseshoe.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GOwBINj8NE&feature=relmfu
l
As to grades on a layout: For Mainline operation a 2% max is a good rule of thumb. However, you could put in a steeper grade on one part of the layout and then require a Helper engine to move the train up that grade like was and still is done on Horseshoe Curve on the PRR (now Conrail) main west of Altoona, PA.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horseshoe_Curve_(Altoona,_Pennsylvania)
http://www.railroadcity.com/altoona_horseshoe_curve/index.php
http://www.trainweb.org/oldtimetrains/CPR_Bruce/horseshoe.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GOwBINj8NE&feature=relmfu
l
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