Grades

[Tel]

OK, someone's gotta kick off this section, so I guess it might as well be me.

As some of you already know, I am currently building two G1 locos (one live steamer, one diseasel), also just about to start on earthworks for the per way. My question is what should the grades be limited to, as the site is sloping the lower end will have to be built up somewhat with a combination of banks and bridges.

[chrissyvine]

I am not doing any G1 stuff at the moment, although I did build an Aster A3 kit which was interesting and superbly made.

I Do not know about gradients but I would think 1 in 60 ish would be about right if you want to run nice long trains...

Seems a shame to take this subject off the boards, it has got to start somewhere.....

Chris.

[Frits]

Hi Tel,

For a while I did have a interest in Gauge 1 Railroading and read about this stuff several books, written by people who has experience in the business.

First I tell you that Gauge 1 live steamers don't like grades at all.
These engins got their power by their number of revolutions so they will slow down even on a 1% grade.
Second news is that they have, if they are in a good condition, enough power to take some cars up the grade.

What I learned was that your grade should never exceed the 4%.

But some trick can be made in your layout. That is if you drive your train in a single direction.
Try to keep uphill grades slow and below 2% and as straight as possible and get down with a steep grade of 4-6%.

I hope you can do something with this knowledge.

Frits

[Livesteam45]

Grades are not the best thing for G1 steamers but my layout is far from level...... Your choice of engine and the number of coachs or other stock will make a big difference on how well things go..... A little "Ruby" will have more of a problem than Cheddars "Goliath" for instance.

[Tel]

Thanks for the input blokes - the G1 project has, regrettably, been put 'on the long finger' for the time being - got a buch of other stuff I've got to get cleared before I can make a serious start - still working on the two locos (1 steam, 1 diesel) on an occasional basis

[cnc..... not for me]

Well for gradients on a track I would suggest looking at the railways in your garden dvd. Although this is in 16mm and g45 it will help. The big thing is not the gradient but the length of train in a curve and therefore the pull across the curve. Weight in the engine will give adhesion too