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 Posted - February 19 2012 : 11:09:15 AM
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I have drawn out a Layout I wanna build one day. Anways, I have a 3" upper level I wanna connect thats gonna be inside my lower level loop. Its connected by a half loop of 18" radius and has about 4 pieces of 9" straights and a snap switch. How steep will the be and how can I figure what angles will need to be cut for the steps? I'll use plywood to cover and make a roadbed and use 1X4's for the steps.
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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 Posted - February 19 2012 : 12:05:16 PM
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Hi,
Lets see if my maths are ok, your train will have to run through half a loop of 18" radius track (0.5 x 2 x 3.1418 x 18" = 56,55" ) and then other four pieces of 9" track + a snap switch ((4 x 9") + 9" = 45") that will be in total 101,55", this is the distance the train will have to run to climb 3", so the slop will be of 3/101.55 which means 2,99 %.
A 2,99 % grade is ok, but since you are climbing while in a curve, this will cost more effort for your locos. I think it will still be ok, but others can comment.
If you have a 2,99 % grade it means you climb 2.99" each 100" you run, to calculate the angle, lets call it A, you have to do: tan A = 2.99/100 -> A = Arc Tan 2.99/100
So the angle you have to climb is of 1,7 º
Hope im not wrong  and this helps!
Regard
Joe
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Posted - February 19 2012 : 12:35:39 PM
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Littlejoe, thats a good stab at the math. Checks out o.k.
A 2.99 or essentially a 3% grade is just fine for model railroading. 2% grades are fairly common for prototype railroads.
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Posted - February 19 2012 : 12:55:46 PM
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3% sounds very steep! I've only got a sheet of plywood to use. Oh well. How well could a Mantua or something equally strong handle this? I plan on having at least 4 cars at the most running the upper level.
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Posted - February 19 2012 : 4:21:16 PM
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quote:3% sounds very steep! I've only got a sheet of plywood to use. Oh well. How well could a Mantua or something equally strong handle this?
Originally posted by Redneck Justin - February 19 2012 : 12:55:46 PM
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The easiest way to test your engine's capability is to make a straight ramp of the projected percent grade, and see if it can pull it. Add another 1% to simulate power-robbing curves. If it can handle a 4% grade, then you should be golden without even laying a helix spike. 
Jerry
" When life throws you bananas...it's easy to slip up"
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Posted - August 08 2012 : 4:45:54 PM
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add a helper engine...thats always cool to watch
caboose 1
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Posted - August 08 2012 : 6:32:30 PM
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| or use a cog wheel loco
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