Please help me with some advice here. Is there a general rule of thumb on the absolute steepest decline that can be used? I only have the space for a 4% incline (total run approx 52") going up a hill (1.75" - 2") for a bridge crossing over a track below. On the way down on the other side of the bridge, I have a 2.5" track and then I must start the decline. The decling is approx 40" long before I reach a switch. Is this about a 6% downgrade? Is this too steep? I only plan on pulling 6-10 cars.
You can extend the grade and put the switch on the grade, just as long as the switch isn't on a "vertical curve", where the grade changes. Turnouts must be laid flat, but that includes flat on a grade. But yeah, 6% is a roller coaster
100%? Seriously, Wikipedia lists the steepest NON-rack railway as 13.5% in Portugal Wikipedia Link to Grade article
My N scale Shay routinely pulls 8 empty log cars up 8% grades. Going down is certainly no problem. I would just assume the Shay, because of no traction tires, might start slipping down at around 30%. Any loco with traction tires should go down steeper grades than you will be concerned with. As for going up. Better to have a loco with traction tires. My Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 will go up 8% no problem. It has traction tires. Most diesels will out pull and perform better than steam so lay your track. Try out the trains. If they work great. If some of them start to slip then lower your % a notch. Jim
I would typically recommend a 2% grade as the norm. In your case 4% should work. Know your limitations and you'll do fine.
I have two short stretches of 5% grade on my first layout with the overall grade of about 3%. Short trains (5-7 cars) can ascend the grade without problem and I use between 2 to 4 locomotives for longer trains.
Saluda Hill here in North Carolina has grade ranging from 4.7% to 5.1%. NS would run trains of 15-20 cars with a pair of SD60's up and down the hill. It was slow and steep, and that number of cars is all those SD's could pull.
I agree with Gabriel, it is pretty steep. But you likely mean in a safe and controlled manner............
The other issue is the transition. You might have serious uncoupling issues if transitioning from level to even 4%. I don't know what is safe. Terry - is Saluda Hill still in operation? I wonder how much sand they used. Ben - um, please tell me that is a model.
Sorry Steve, Not a model. From what I gather, there was a rock slide on the tracks which caused the lead loco to derail and go over the edge. Scary stuff!
