i have an around the room (double loop) layout that i have been doing at weekends, laying inclines, roadbed, tracks but nothing glued or permanent yet. i would like to get some trains running in a loop while i am finishing some parts of the layout. not long trains but just a loco and maybe 4 - 6 freight cars just to get me off the day’s stress. the only way i see i can get a loop is to install a turnout in an incline. would greatly appreciate your feedback on whether this idea is sensible or practical. at the rate i am going it will be months when i get the track ends to meet. i have a up bli sitting in a box for almost two years now and i am itching to run it.
Shucks, Alex, you don’t really need a loop to run a train. Hook a couple of switches together with some flex and make a temporary yard and work on your switching techniques!!
You’ll think of something. Best get that BLI out of the box and get the kinks worked out!..and Welcome to the forum!![#welcome]
[#ditto]
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ICMR
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welcome !
turnouts on inclines are usually not a good idea , but if this is just for a temporary loop , go for it .
I have a switch on an incline. Right before a curve to boot!
I have not had any problems with this switch or any train using this switch even at a high rate of speed in either direction.
I have posted a shot of this switch.
It’s a Shinohara #6 nickel silver straight out of the 60’s.
Gordon
Turnouts on inclines in and of themselves are not bad. The problem come when the turnout is at the beginning or end. As long as the entire turnout is withing the steady plan of the grade, you should have no problem.
I have had a turnout on a incline had no trouble with it ( it was a model power too ) just leave 6 - 12 " either side before the grade changes.
Ken.
I’ve read articles from “experts” all my life about NOT putting turnouts on grades, and how it’s not a good idea. By the same token, almost every single layout I’ve ever seen has at least one turnout on a grade. I plan on having at least four on grades. Doesn’t bother me one bit. Go for it.
I, also, have curves on a grade, but not a turnout. If your engine is heavy enough, powerful enough, your train light enough, your grade shallow enough, and your turnout fits into a nice 22" or higher diameter curve, you should have nothing to worry about. If you are running a lighter loco, with only six cars, as you suggest, keep your grade at or under 3%, maybe 3.5%, and your curve as wide as you can; you’ll probably be just fine. Besides, it isn’t permanent…
Just ensure that the turnout is only inclined in one plane and that the whole turnout is contained in the same plane and it will be fine. It is a mistake to try to incline along two axis or to have an incline starting at a turnout.