Model Railroading Questions

January 13, 2007

I know how fellow model railroaders like to help each other, so a couple of questions from blog readers that you might like to get your teeth into and contribute an answer.

Question 1 from Fred:

I have read about “Battery-Powered Locomotives” I have not been able to get a clear picture of what this technology can do and what it can not do compared with “Track-Powered” system.
Can your readers help me please?

Question 1 from Richard:

I’m a mechanical designer and always work with angles when it comes to slopes of de grees or E.G 1′ over 12 ‘ etc. but reading in most train magazines for quite some time now people refer to the “percentage” of slope. e.g. a 2% slope etc. Do readers know what it is and how do I translate a 1 or 2% slope into degrees? Its much easier to use angle and distances I think.