Model Train Gradients

September 30, 2012

Damien kindly sent in this tip:

Years ago my father explained to me the advantages of building a grid vs. flat layout when it comes to grades. The grid layout offers both + and – grades. What is advantageous here is that if your trains have bridge or other types of over crossings, then the grade angles can be cut in half. The over crossing could be a +1.5%, where as the under crossing could at – 1.5%. Effectively this equates to a 3% grade on a flat top layout. The distances leading up to and going away from the crossing is now a shorter distance for both the over and under crossing tracks.

This works really well as the gauges go up in size. Just think of O gauges crossings and the clearance you need to clear the trains at the crossing. By cutting the distances to and from the crossings you get more bang for the buck in layout size. And the 1.5% grade sure is easier on the motors too. Of course the grades could be increased to 3% for over and under crossings, and would still be reasonable for the motors, while decreasing to and from distances even more.

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