seems like a saw a documentary on south america where part of the "journey" in to the mountains was by train(you know, where they chewed coca leaves to handle the altitude change). if i remember the railroad was on such a steep incline it actually went so far in one direction then threw a switch behind the train and then "backed up" the next section, then rinse, repeat (oh, the last part was shampoo). i am remembering this correct? has anyone modeled this? david
I think I remember seeing that. They may have had something in an old national geographic as well IIRC. It would be a neat little mountain line for a module. Something very different!
good grief... in a model that would use sooooo much space. Sure would look neat though 3 cars, 4% grade, wide switches.... hmm.
I have an oldish book 'Railways of the Andes' by Brian Fawcett which, amongst other subjects, deals with the various switchbacks used in South America. It has photos of some of these. On my own HOn30 line, I have a small HOn20 (Z-Gauge, but HO-Scale) switchback which runs a Class A Climax, automated via DCC and my own software. The loco runs up the switchback automatically, stops at the top for a while, and then returns. The cycle continues until I stop it.
Rode the best 'switch-back' in South America. It's the 'El Diablo' (Devil's Nose) in Ecuador, SA. Got the tee-shirt for riding on 'top' of the boxcar for the full ride down the mountain. Wild ride...cold at top and hot at the bottom, covering several thousand feet of drop. Two reverse directions, if my memory serves me right. Modeled the mountain, train and switch-back as well. Some hi-lite photos (2 pages/thumbs->enlarge): www.deloziers.com/trains/ecuador/andesbytrain/index.html ...Eddie
Should have explained the 'switch-back' model I built (previous post). It was on a 4' x 4' plywood base. Track ran around the bottom with a switch taking the moutain route. Up several levels of switch-backs and then over the top, thru tunnel and down the back(hidden). Back(hidden track) then came out on the bottom track again for another run. Kept you busy with the switches. It was DC and had manual button switch controls. Built it years ago and have since torn it down for bigger and better layout. Switches must be level to parallel track and have enough run out to hold engine and cars before reversing. Also couplers should be body mounted to aid the reverse push up the hills. Had two or three cars max with good pulling engine. ...Eddie
I think the switchback design lends itself nicely to the largerscale. It wouldn't have to be limited to a scenic RR either, it would adapt well to a logging road. I wouldn't mind seeing a track plan for the 4X4 layout, seems it would be fairly entertaining for both operators and viewers.
There are one or two track plans for similar layouts in the late Linn Westcott's classic 101 Track Plans from Kalmbach.
See if you can find some information on the Cass Scenic Railroad in West Virginia. The state took over an old abandoned logging railroad and converted it to tourist operations. It's got two switchbacks on its way up the mountain. Shay and Heisler locomotives, too!
The L&N (CSX) had a number of switchbacks, and the WINDING GULF SUB south out Raleigh, W.Va. yard had one used into 1990s when they moved to share NS track in same vicinity. The Hook and Eye(L&N) line's HIAWASSEE LOOP is a spectacular substitution for a pair of swichbacks. All of these were primarily coal carrying lines, although the latter carried lumber and supported all the regional needs there in southeastern Tennessee. The W.Va. coalfield line saw multiple unit big GPs until its closing.
