Track Gradiants

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April 13, 2009

Charles has a question on G track grades and asks:

“I need to make my train climb about 13 or 14 inches to a higher level then descend back down to the lower level, So, how can I tell my grade and how long does it have to be to climb it?”

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2 Responses to Track Gradiants

MattD says:

April 16, 2009 at 9:20 pm

Slope = Difference in elevation / Distance
For example in 100′ if the elevation rose 6′
Slope = 6′ / 100′ = .06
move the decimal 2 places to the right to get %
.06 = 6%
For a 6% grade, in 100′ the road would either go up or
down 6′.
However, railways never go above a 4% grade, which after you calculate it out, you’ll find you are severely limited. Sorry!

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Tony P says:

April 17, 2009 at 1:12 pm

Hi Charles, You can also use a helical set up. The only problem is space but it will take less space instead of the traditional rise as Matt described, and in model RR you probably want to stick to 2% grade. The other problem or not is the gage you are modeling in (larger), the larger the gage the larger or longer distances you need to go to make the grade. The helical set up will take up less space but is still substancial in size. You can look them up on line for design and building or in a layout design book. Either way have fun.
Tony P

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