I am planning my layout. In doing so, I am planning on having 2 different layers of track. My question is to make grade from one layer to another, what is the measurement to use? I have heard percents, but if using a straight edge, (level) what is the height of rise within a 4 foot span? (1/4 inch, 1/2 inch, 1 inch? for example). I am asking this for smooth operation of trains, possibly longer car runs.
thanks
Chuck
One inch rise in 100" is 1%. People talk in feet so one inch in 8’ (96") is considered 1%. 4% is considered maximum, with 2% considered even a better maximum. 4% is 4" in 8’. 2% is 2" in 8’.
I have an engine that will pull 12 cars up 4% grade and I can consist for longer trains. I am going to use 4% which only gets me up 8" in 16’ and that will have to do for my spectacular gorge bridge.
You divide the rise by the run. Take the height difference, enter that into your calculator, and then hit the divide key. Enter the distance from the start of your grade to the point directly below the point at which your grade ends. Press the = sign, and read off the percent grade by moving the decimal point you see in the answer toward the right two spaces. So, if you get 0.024317369, you move the decimal point over to the right of the 2, and read your grade as “2 point 4 percent”. Note that this formula never changes…not even with a change of scale since the grade is in the physical, realtime, world where scale is meaningless.
Finally, your grade will have to have a way of easing the trains into it at the bottom, and out of it at the top, or you are going to have serious problems. So, your easements, top and bottom, will actually take up space you have allocated for your grade, but be in the process of getting to and away from the grade. That means the actual fixed grade part of it all will have to be that much steeper in order to get the rise you need. I hope you can follow that?
If you would like to modify a level to do your grades, cut small wood blocks that can be taped to the end of the level. You need to do the math for exact or use the “inches per 8foot” close enough
1% and 2ft level use 1/4" block
2% " 2ft " use 1/2" "
3% " 2ft " use 3/4" "
4% " 2ft " use 1" "
For different length levels adjust accordingly.