What degree of rise is this?

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Rising from 0 to 9 inches in 10 feet, is this too much for a Lionel Shay? Thanks to all, Jake

2

generally, that’s about 7.25% - that’s super steep.

3

Unless I am mistaken, that is a 7.5% grade. That’s pretty steep since the folks around here say no more than 4%. I’ll let someone else comment on whether a Shay can make it up, though.

EDIT - Aw Frank, you beat me to it!

4

Jake, 9" in 10’ is 7.5%. I think your Shay can make that grade, but if you can set up a 5 ft. long track with the high end at 4.5" you can see if[:)] it does. Try it by itself, then add a car at a time till it stalls or the wheels slip—

5

What is the formula you use to determine the %? Divide total length inches into height inches? (that is, 9/120?) I guess answered my own ? Boink!

Thanks

6

HopperSJ----You mentioned 4% as a good grade. Just curious, what does a Lionel over/under trestle set get for a standard set up grade? Thanks

7

Check out this thread about grades.

http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/992970/ShowPost.aspx

The following thread has pictures of my grade test setup.

http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/996148/ShowPost.aspx

Also, the lionel trestle I have raises the track 5" and usually there is about 100" of track approaching it. So that would be 100*5"/100" is about a 5% grade.

Jim H

8

The new FasTrack Graduated Trestle set includes 22 trestles 2 each 1/2" - 5.5" in 1/2" increments. The Elevated Trestle set is 5.5" high.

Now why are the tunnel portals 7 inches high? [%-)]

9

With two rubber traction tires made from an inner tuber slice, the 1666 will climb the grade and descend easily without incidnent pulling 5 cars. I do not have the Shay engine yet, UPS today maybe, but if the 1666 can do it, I’d think the Shay should handle it. Thanks to all again, Jake