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Train Track Gradient
Would a reader like to help Gary with an answer to his question:
“I have a question for a model railroader who reads your blog to answer please. I am starting to build a board for the layout. I have 2 Lionel train sets with a few pieces of extra track I purchased. What is the angle I may use for elevation of the trains? What rate of elevation can they climb? Does one of your readers know the answer?
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5 Responses to Train Track Gradient
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It is my understanding that 2% incline is pretty well standard incline for all scales…I know it works well with HO and anything steepeer doesn’t.
Hi fellow modeller, my name is Ron and I have been a modeller for quite a number of years.
I have often created layouts with steep gradients (as much as 70 degrees) I find that a good wire brushing ACROSS the tracks gives the track a ‘caterpillar tread’ which gives the train a good grip.
I hope this helps
Ron Stephenson
I agree with “gator” – about 2% is average, so as to give good working & less strain for the loco. That said, I have an inclined section on my layout (a bi-pass loop) that slopes up to 4%. I tend to use it only in the downward direction, but all my loco’s can quite easily negotiate that grade, albeit: with limited sized train. Any steeper grading limits the size of a train and if too steep, the track looks unreal & toy-like.
Ian
when i was young, we used to discreibe hills or gradients as 1in 10, or, if it was steep 1 in 3, in other words, for every 3ft you moved along, you went up 1ft. now all the talk about i 2%,3.5%,16%, my question is 2%of what 16%of what, and as ron stephenson said 70%, 70% of what, what does it relate to how high was rons railway, and how long in distance did it take to get there
David, Australia
Definite point David. % of grade comes from your standard engineering mathematical formulas, but sometimes that just doesn’t translate over to scale railroading clearly or cleanly.