Another problem I never encountered with previous HO layouts was Inclines/Grades because I never had enough room to go up. Based on my current plans with the space I have, I would need a 3% grade to make it to the planned bridge. The 3% is based on my distance to the height of approx 3.5" according to the Woodland Scenics guide. Most of my locomotives are P2K’s and I don’t plan on pulling more than 20 cars. So in your opinions how critical is this 3% grade going to be?
Mock it up on your floor and check it out for performance…it’s really the only way to be sure. If you can’t, I’ll hazard a guess that you may end up doubling locomotives at the head end at least part of the time. I have 3% grades and my big steamers struggle to get four Walthers heavyweights and a reefer up them.
Did you remember to factor in transition vertical curves at the bottom and top of your grades? They are essential for good performance. Unfortunately, they also restrict the actual rise distance somewhat. You may find that your average grade now has to rise at 3.3%.
Is this an over/under for the trains?
If so, consider not only bringing the “over” line up, but at the same time take the “under” line down. This will reduce the amount of climbing you’ll have to do.
One loco+20 cars+a 3% grade = a struggling loco. Two locos would be better.[2c]
I have 2.25% and 20 cars causes a lot of wheel slip with my Athearns BB’s. My Bachmanns can do it fairly EZ. Don’t know about P2K’s.
PS-If any part of your grade is on a curve, it will make things worse.
Of course, you can change the grade “problem” into an interesting operational challenge. If your trains are struggling, then you need to add some helpers going up-grade, just like the prototype.
Interesting topic as always. I am planning on building a mountain on a peninsula section of my layout with a sawmill near the top. I am planning on a 3.5 to 4% grade using a winding rise (kind of like a helix stretched out) with reversing loops at either end. Will probably use a Pacific (4-6-2) to haul 2 or 3 flat beds with rough sawn lumber up and down this mountain. There will also be a Shay to bring logs from the mountain top to the mill. I want to build a wood trestle over a gourge for viewing interest. Based on some of these comments, it sounds like a mock-up is in order and I wonder if a 4% trestle grade might look a little weird. Comments??
Ron K.
If it is a logging road or branch, or an industrial area in a city, I don’t think 4% grades look out of sorts. Here are my grades in an industrial area which are 4% plus. (And a mock-up is in order to see if the trains you plan to run on them actually will.)
“Will probably use a Pacific (4-6-2) to haul 2 or 3 flat beds with rough sawn lumber up and down this mountain.”
Interesting, but I’m having a hard time picturing a Pacific hauling 2-3 flats up a mountain. Isn’t there a better alternative? Seems like a waste of motive power.[2c]
But, then, ya gotta do what ya gotta do.
Al