One of the biggest mistakes when planning a model railroad is to misjudge the required gradients (grades) for the layout. Even though the track plans might look good sketched on paper, the big question is; how practical will they be when converted from paper to track, wood, and foam on a model railroad?

The track may need to be longer than on the sketched plan if the locomotive is to pull several cars up and down an incline without mishap, or the wheels spinning through lack of traction. Having a locomotive cough, splutter, and eventually stall on a grade can be very disheartening, especially if it results in a derailment or burnt out motor.

Here is the link to the FREE TRACK GRADE CALCULATOR for you to easily work out the correct track grades, and avoid the problems mentioned above. You are welcome to share it on Facebook or by email with friends.

You can calculate in feet, inches, miles or in metrics.