I am considering using a 4% grade on the mainline and I am curious what about other’s experience with a grade this steep.
The layout is 72" x 40" with 17" radius curves on the mainline. I’d like to be able to pull 15-20 cars over the grade.
I can redraw the plans with a 2% grade. But at least on paper the plan the 4% grade offers some interesting features for me. I don’t want to create an operation nightmare.
I’d like to hear from others that have used a 4% grade on N Scale layouts. thanks in advance[:)]
All the evidence that I’ve seen says…way too steep. I have about 2.5 going up my helix, the performance drop is quite noticeable at that point. I’d be very afraid of 4% if I wanted to pull more than a few cars over it, or planned on at least double heading everything.
I’m planning two 24" runs of 2% grade (up and down) on a layout of similar size. A lot of folks have been skeptical of even that much on that small of a layout…but I like the extra 1/2" of bridge clearance those little inclines give me. I’m hoping I don’t regret it…your mileage may vary.
It would be worth a trial if you already have the rolling stock and locomotive(s) handy. Make a mockup on a clean bare floor, power the tracks, and see if your scale trains can climb the 4% grade. I can tell you now that the train length you mention is a no-go, unless you plan on double-heading or shoving from the rear with another engine. Even then, you may be surprised.
Two percent…no probs, but four is something else entirely.
I think that 4% is too steep - especially if you have curves thrown in. Most people would agree that 3% should be the limit (and only if you really need to).
I have an N-scale layout with a long 2 percent grade (with curves). This reduces the pulling power on on most of my locos to 8-10 cars up the grade. It would at least double my loco requirement on a 4 percent grade.
I suppose you could make it work if you plan to use at least four locos on the size train you plan to run.
I’ll be doing a 4% grade (or just under) on a spur off my main to an ore mine. I figure with a good road switcher, it’ll be able to handle 4-5 cars up the short spur to the flat yard.
Other than that, my mainline will be no more than 2% (If I create a grade on it at all)
4% grades, especially through a curve, will probably be more trouble than they are worth. The curve also adds resistance, so the equivalent grade overall will be even higher when some or all of the train is on the curve.
If you are set on trying this, mocking it up for a test will tell you much more in a short time than will hours spent on-line. [:)]
For the length of train you describe, 4% is too much even for a double-header. A shay could maybe pull 5-6 short cars, but 2.5% grades on my layout limit trains to 10-12 cars. My nine-car passenger train sometimes gets wheel slippage with two powered A-units, but I do have a curved grade.