QUOTE (hoarp001 @ 29 Jun 2007, 01:10) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Using Pi and a ruler I worked out that one complete circle of 2nd radius equates to 106 inches of track. Is this correct?
Length of circumference = 2 x pi x radius (not diameter)
QUOTE The train has to climb about 8-9 inches and I would like to use a gradient of 1:50, as I have heard this is a fairly safe gradient to use. Is that correct?
That should be perfectly safe but you will probably be able/need to go steeper. I assume you are using H0/OO, but what sort of length trains will you be using? You can test pulling power of a locomotive using track on a plank of wood and adjust the angle.
QUOTE If I am climbing 8 inches at a 1:50 gradient that is 400 inches of track required. Is *that* correct?
To the nearest inch yes. Actual length = square root of (400 x 400 + 8 x 8) = 400.08 inches (2DP)
QUOTE Using all those numbers I worked out that my helix would need 3.7 complete circles to rise 8 inches. Correct?
Yes but here is a problem depending upon how tall your trains are: If you perform 4 circles then clearance between levels in the helix is 2 inches minus - thickness of board used! Unless you use N gauge it will be impossible!
Turns---------Clearance + rail height + wood thickness
4--------------2 inches
3.5------------2.3 inches
3--------------2.7 inches
2.5------------3.2 inches
2--------------4 inches
1.5------------5.3 inches
Whether you can use half turns will depend upon the orientation of the tracks that you are connecting. Using two turns and a gradient of 1:25 sounds a better option with clearance of 4 inches but depends on your trains capability at that angle.
As an N scale modeller I don't know much about OO train power etc.
Hope this helps,
Goedel
Length of circumference = 2 x pi x radius (not diameter)
QUOTE The train has to climb about 8-9 inches and I would like to use a gradient of 1:50, as I have heard this is a fairly safe gradient to use. Is that correct?
That should be perfectly safe but you will probably be able/need to go steeper. I assume you are using H0/OO, but what sort of length trains will you be using? You can test pulling power of a locomotive using track on a plank of wood and adjust the angle.
QUOTE If I am climbing 8 inches at a 1:50 gradient that is 400 inches of track required. Is *that* correct?
To the nearest inch yes. Actual length = square root of (400 x 400 + 8 x 8) = 400.08 inches (2DP)
QUOTE Using all those numbers I worked out that my helix would need 3.7 complete circles to rise 8 inches. Correct?
Yes but here is a problem depending upon how tall your trains are: If you perform 4 circles then clearance between levels in the helix is 2 inches minus - thickness of board used! Unless you use N gauge it will be impossible!
Turns---------Clearance + rail height + wood thickness
4--------------2 inches
3.5------------2.3 inches
3--------------2.7 inches
2.5------------3.2 inches
2--------------4 inches
1.5------------5.3 inches
Whether you can use half turns will depend upon the orientation of the tracks that you are connecting. Using two turns and a gradient of 1:25 sounds a better option with clearance of 4 inches but depends on your trains capability at that angle.
As an N scale modeller I don't know much about OO train power etc.
Hope this helps,
Goedel
