I am planning an On30 layout, designed to be portable to take to shows, but still give me enough switching opportunities to keep things interesting at home. Unfortunately, to get what I think I want in the available space will require 4% grades. My trains will be limited to 3 cars and a caboose, and will be powered by 4-4-0’s or a shay. I plan on keeping “Station/Yard areas” flat and realize I need vertical transitions. Your comments on any possible problems would be appreciated.
Kevin
Four percent isn’t necessarily a show stopper. As long as you are sure you must have the grades…at all…then build them and try to be careful to keep them constant…no dips. Live with the shorter trains. Hopefully your engine and cars will at the same time be able to handle the tighter curves you are sure to have.
It wouldn’t take much more than an hour to mock it up temporarily and try what your bottom line train length will do. Then try your optimal train length. Trials now will give you a clear way ahead.
Crandell
Thanks for the response. What I am most concerned about is the long term wear and tear on the loco drives. My plan calls for a minimum radius of 19" and a minimum frog of #5. What do you think?
Kevin
I tried some mock up elevations with load. My simulated load consisted of a Caboose, 2 hoppers with coal load, and 3 log skeletons (With and without the provided loads). All are from Bachman and are the original factory weights (I do not yet have a scale to check them for proper weight. I tried them with 3 different locos, 1 the shay, 2 the inside frame 4-4-0, and 3 the outside frame 4-4-0.
The Shay pulled the entire load at 6% and 7.5% grades (Much more than I would ever think about trying)
The Inside Frame barely pulled the load at 6% only after I removed the log load. With the logs (9 total) it just spun the drivers.
The Outside Frame pulled the whole load at 6%, but spun the drivers at 7.5%
I doubleheaded the Inside and Outside framers and they pulled the 7.5 with just a bit of slippage at the start.
All testing was done using DC for power, but I don’t think DCC would be any different, and I have no idea as to the amps drawn.
I also understand that I should also conduct my testing downhill as well. It will take a bit more time to mock up something to check that
Kevin
Kevin,
If your 4% grade is on one of your 19" radius curves, mock-up something or use some Bachmann 18" radius EZ-Track on a 4% grade to check out your 3 car requirement. A sharp curve can reduce the pulling power of your engine dramatically!
Jim