Figuring grade..

[Goldnut]

Is there a calculation to figure grade? Will it depend on my engine size?

 

[bnsf971]

Grade is totally dependent on slope of the rise. a one inch rise over a 100 inch travel is 1%, and does not matter if it is for a train, car, or if it is N scale or O scale.

 

[Goldnut]

Thanks that info helps. Let me clarify what Im trying to figure out. How much grade is too much over a 10 foot run? I need to know this for my layout. Thank you

 

[bnsf971]

Ten feet is 120 inches. 1.2" rise would be 1%, 2.4 inches would be 2%. More than that would severely limit train length.

 

[Goldnut]

OK so basically 2% is a good benchmark to not exceed? This was exactly what I needed to know Thanks.

 

[Burlington Bob]

Here is a site with a grade calculator and it also takes into consideration curves and the impact they have on pulling a train uphill.

http://railroadboy.com/grade/

 

[Sirfoldalot]

I once had an HO layout that had close to a 4% grade. Layout was not that large and I did not run over 5-6 car trains to begin with. I also had a metal Varney F-3 with an O gauge motor which would pull just about anything placed behind it.

 

[Robots_walk_the_earth]

I just rough figured the grade I would need for my planned layout. Looks to be about 6%. From what I’ve been reading that will be pretty steep eh?

 

[wvg_ca]

yep, six percent is doable, but would limit the locomotives used, and the number of cars pulled, better off at two percent ..

 

[D&J RailRoad]

If the size of your layout limits the grade of your hills, you will probably be limited on the length of trains as well. So it will be a wash. Steeper grades, shorter trains.

 

[Goldnut]

Makes sense Ken. I am kinda handcuffed in one area that I will just try to maintain no more than a 2% grade. Guess I will go more if I have to and limit the number of cars. Thanks for all the info guys.

 

[Robots_walk_the_earth]

I’ve got a 3’x8’ table I plan on putting an over under figure 8 in N Scale. So I’m definitely limited on space.

 

[bnsf971]

I’ve got a 3’x8’ table I plan on putting an over under figure 8 in N Scale. So I’m definitely limited on space.

3x8 is better than the 3x6 I am working with in N.
I have 4% grades and 9.75” radius curves. I’m lucky if I can pull four cars with a single engine.

 

[CambriaArea51]

3x8 is better than the 3x6 I am working with in N.
I have 4% grades and 9.75” radius curves. I’m lucky if I can pull four cars with a single engine.

Pushers.

 

[Robots_walk_the_earth]

3x8 is better than the 3x6 I am working with in N.
I have 4% grades and 9.75” radius curves. I’m lucky if I can pull four cars with a single engine.

What are you using as the height of the bridges if you have any? I was planning on 3”.

 

[Sirfoldalot]

3x8 is better than the 3x6 I am working with in N.
I have 4% grades and 9.75” radius curves. I’m lucky if I can pull four cars with a single engine.

Pushers.

Mid train helpers too!

 

[dave1905]

The easy way I figure grade is an 8 ft piece of lumber is 96". Close to 100. A 1" rise in 8 ft is about 1%, a 1/2 rise in 4 ft is a 1% grade and 1/4" rise in 2 ft is a 1% grade.
You can use a 24" level to set your grade. Put a 1/4 drill under the low end of the level and adjust the grade so the level is level, you have set a roughly 1% grade. 3/8" will give you 1.5% and a 1/2" will give you 2%.

 

[MHinLA]

Grade is totally dependent on slope of the rise. a one inch rise over a 100 inch travel is 1%, and does not matter if it is for a train, car, or if it is N scale or O scale.

Or 1:1 scale

 

[MHinLA]

Goldnut.. If there happens to be a curve within the incline, it adds drag to the train causing train to behave as if climbing a steeper grade. The tighter the radius the more the drag. If your initial calculation is, say 2.5 %, the curve will make train behave as if it's a, say, 3% grade or more...On the other hand, if you only run short trains (loco/4-7 cars) this may not be a concern.. M

 

[Robots_walk_the_earth]

Goldnut.. If there happens to be a curve within the incline, it adds drag to the train causing train to behave as if climbing a steeper grade. The tighter the radius the more the drag. If your initial calculation is, say 2.5 %, the curve will make train behave as if it's a, say, 3% grade or more...On the other hand, if you only run short trains (loco/4-7 cars) this may not be a concern.. M

This is why I’ll be dealing with a 6% ish grade. Over 60” and a 13” radius going up 3” to give myself enough clearance over another track. The tight turn is definitely not helping me.