I am deep in the building of my layout, and I have suddenly realised that there is no limit on my lack of knowledge! I am building gradients, but I don't know how to START them off from the level. I don't want to bend the rail, so will the rail simply lean slightly, or is there a better way of packing it out? I am looking at going for 1 in 40+, if that helps.... Any tips GREATLY appreciated.
Posts by Fireline
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Hi. Thanks for the thoughts guys. I am building a railway that runs round my full loft, so it is 20' by 12', and on boards of 2' depth. I can't put a diagram up at present, as I haven't got one! I am building it in conjunction with my dad, and he is the design genius! What I have is 2 outside loop lines, that will raise 2" over 10 feet on one side, and 9" on the other (so 1 in 50 and 1 in 45 nominal). The thing is, under the lifted section will be a tunnel section with storage roads, so that will drop 2" from the same point. The two levels will have a gap between them of 4".
In order to build this, I am using MDF as a base board. The slopes will be on straights, so I shouldn't have too much to worry about. I am only looking at running 4 coach trains, or so, so traction is not a huge issue. I have set a test board up, and checked loads at 1 in 40, and it was ok for me.
Oh, and Brian, all this is happening no more than three miles from you!!!!
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In order to build this, I am using MDF as a base board. The slopes will be on straights, so I shouldn't have too much to worry about. I am only looking at running 4 coach trains, or so, so traction is not a huge issue. I have set a test board up, and checked loads at 1 in 40, and it was ok for me.
Oh, and Brian, all this is happening no more than three miles from you!!!!
Hi. I still don't have the plan, I'm afraid. But I have realised that I do have a number of pictures of what I am doing, but I'd forgotten all about them!
They can be found at:
http://modelrailway.fotopic.net/
I will try and put some more explanation on the pics when I can.
They can be found at:
http://modelrailway.fotopic.net/
I will try and put some more explanation on the pics when I can.
Right. Thanks for all the tips guys. I have laid a test slope in plywood, and it has come out to ABOUT 1 in 45. Certain engines aren't really that keen, particularly the Bachmann 4mt's and the Hornby Prairies. Strangely, the least upset engine was an old Mainline 43xx, with suspect traction tyres, that hauled 8 old and heavy coaches up without a single slip!!!! 80 odd engines to test, then....
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