I would like to know the grade percentige on a six inch rise at twenty one feet. All help would be greatly appreciated.
rise over run, make sure both measurements are in the same units
6"/252" = 2.4%
Grade as a percent is calculated using the formula G= F/L x 100 Where G= grade, F= fall (or rise) and L= length (or run). You multiply by 100 to get the answer to a percentage. Its a pretty straight-forward formula, the only thing you need to be cautious of is that your fall and lenght are the same units (i.e. feet or inches). The answer to your question is:
G= F/L x100
G= 6 inches (or .5 feet)/ 252 inches (or 21 feet) x 100
G= 0.0238 x 100
G= 2.38 %
Thanks for the info. Will a Bigboy handle that 2.4% grade ?
Hi,
Assuming you are talking HO and the Big Boy is a quality one in good shape, it should easily handle 2.4 %. That is a bit steep however, as it will limit the number of cars you can pull. If you just have to have that kind of incline, make sure your cars are all free rolling (metal wheelsets would help) and the track properly laid.
IMHO, I would try to keep any grades for a flat land railroad at 2% or less.
ENJOY,
Mobilman44
This continuing issue makes me wonder whether our educational system is functional. Anyone asking this question who is over thirteen years old is a victim of that system.
Mark
I find your comment both petty and mean.
What brand? My PCM Big boys will pull 72 cars without breaking a swet up a 2% grade.
Magnus
All 25 or just the one?
Sorry, just had to tease you a little bit.
A 3% grade probably imposes a 40% reduction in availible tonnage (In number of cars) to a HO scale engine.
Oh, that just one! [:D]
But I did order one more just to be sure. So sometimes in the future I won’t have to fear running out of pulling power. Now it’s always nervous! [:D]
Its an Athearn Genisis Bigboy. I plan on pulling 26 cars and a caboose.
I do not have an Athearn Big Boy but I do have a challenger. It will easily pull 15 Walthers heavyweights up a 2% grade. I think you will be fine.
Magnus