N Scale Inclines

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I am starting to plan for an N-scale layout - I have an HO layout in the family room but the N-scale will be adjacent to my workshop. I understand the incline rates for HO (ie 2% in 100 inches = 2 inch rise), but what about N-scale. I presume it would be different since everything is just smaller but I have not found any reference to this at the NMRA standards site.

I want to have a raised portion at one end which clears the track and any consists below but I need to plan for how long an incline I will need.

Thoughts?

2

The math for a grade percentage is the same for any scale because it is a ratio, not a dimension.

A 2% grade in N is the same as HO.

3

Grade is grade regardless of scale, you just have to climb only 1/2 the distance being 1/2 the size of HO.

4

The grade is the same regardless of scale. The only thing that changes is the scale.

Let’s look at a 2% grade:

  • Full (1:1) scale. 10 meters long. Rise, 200mm.
  • HOj (1:80) scale. 800 meters long. Rise, 16 meters.
  • HO (1:87.1) scale. 2,857 feet long. Rise, 57 feet.
  • N (1:160) scale. 1600 meters long. Rise, 32 meters.
  • N (1:160) scale. 5246 feet long. Rise 105 feet.

If you laid G-gauge, Sn3, HOe or Z scale track on that 10 meters of roadbed, the grade would still be the same. Only the scale length and scale rise would be different.

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

5

Thanx for that - I had overelooked the fact that it is really a ratio.

Barry

6

Thanx … I thought that I would not have to have as long an incline as with HO - was a bit confused.

Thanx again … Barry

7

Thanx … really helps to know that info. Put things into perspective.

Barry