HO Inclines For Trains

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March 10, 2009

John would like to hear from fellow model railroaders about making inclines:

“Hi this is John. I have been into model railroading for some time now, but always had a problem with making ramps for roads and inclines for trains to rise to a certain height (useally about 3 inches high). To proceed to a higher level on my layout how do others make the transition so smoothly?”

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2 Responses to HO Inclines For Trains

rfmicro says:

March 13, 2009 at 9:59 pm

Hi John,

I have found using WSW inclines to be the easiest and fastest means to place inclines on a layout. For a Helix I have found wood to be the most inexpensive solution.

You shouldn’t have a p[roblem with inclines of three inches. Now here’s the “but”. The amount of incline you select must consider the amount of layout space available, the engine power and the number of cars you want to haul up the incline. For a curved incline you needto make sure your engine and cars will handle the curve. Short freight uses about 19-22″ radius and closer to 30″ fopr longer passenger cars and modern freight.

The NMRA site is a great reference for these type of specifications.

Regards,
Trent Mulkern
Mechanicsville, MD

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Denise says:

March 15, 2009 at 4:22 am

Thanks for the tip about wood. I’ve tried to use the stupid plastic tressel things, and then hide them, and they never work, even though they are easily available and come with most beginner HO sets.

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