I need to have a model train set to where I can make a branch off the mainline and go up to 8 inches. The room is 12X9 and I have point to point railroad. I want the branch to go against the wall and not to much of a gradient. I am using modern diesels. The bench work is about 2 ft and half wide and around
the wall.
It looks like a big U. Any help would be great like how to hold it up.
Take a look at Woodland Scenic’s Sub Terranian System.
Dalas,
You might get some ideas from my website. It’s a work-in-progress but it shows how to build grades using 1/2" blue foam board.
[:)]
First off, a rise of 8 inches will require quite a bit of length. At a 3% incline, about as much as I would use, it works out (if my math still in intact, to about 22 and 1/4 feet. At 2% its 33 1/3 feet and at 1% its 66 2/3 feet.
I’m a relative newbee to this hobby so I’ve chose where possible to use commercially available solutions, augmented by some freelancing to make it all fit into my senario. I think a combination of what Tom and Nigel have suggested is a good approach
I used the three incline percentages in my example of the length required, as these inclines/ramps are also available commercially, as Nigel pointed out, from Woodland Scenics. I used their riser kit to build up a short 6 foot incline for a bridge with a 2 1/2" clearance. By the way, if ;you do this “ramp” approach, you have to also allow for the transition back to level. This will add a foot or so to the overall incline.
George
Have you considered a switch-back branch line to gain the elevation? You may need to go back and forth a few times to get up eight inches, but it is one possible solution. Eight inches is a lot of elevation change in model railroading. Good Luck - Ed