For determining the distance on a drawing, I use a divider caliper, a drafting device that looks like a compass, but has two needle points (instead of one point and a pencil lead). Using the scale that the plan is drawn to, I set the points at a convenient distance (usually a scale 3", 4", 5" or 6"), and "walk off" the distance. For determing the grade on roadbed or sub-roadbed during layout construction, I will do basically the same thing, but prefer to use a larger compass with a thumbwheel lock that will reach to at least six inches. After drawing the centerline of the track, I again "walk off" the distance, but this time at each increment I make a small mark on the centerline, for distance reference, starting at zero elevation. Once the grade is figured for that section in terms of amount of rise per unit of length I may go back & note the proper elevation at each mark along the centerline directly on the sub-roadbed. I have also tried the measured string method, stretching the string along nails partially driven into the road bed on the track centerline at measured intervals, but using the divider/compass is quicker & easier. I like the "wheel" idea, but lack the patience to sit down and accurately make the tool...
Regards, Bill Nielsen Oakland Park, FL --- In [email protected], "ecphora123" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > A 2% grade (or any other percentage)is easily measured and > constructed in a straight track situation, but just how does one > accomplish the same on a curve? Does one mark a length of flixible > track prior to bending it to the desired curvature, knowing that > various marked points must be at some elevation which complies with > the 2% increase? I suppose that this works if you are actually > constucting a layout, but how do you draw a track plan for a 2% grade > on a curve, knowing that each point on the curve is at a 2% increase? > > Now, if you are still with me, how much higher must a track or tracks > be in order to cross over other tracks. A friend who insists for what > ever reason (must need some sort of professional intervention L.O.L.) > on modeling in HO tells me that he uses a 4 1/2 inches minimum for > his clearance. What is the accepted minimum vertical clearance for S? > How do you plan grades on paper so that a bridge at a specific place > on the layout will be high enough over other tracks? This is > especially important if you are pre-planning scenes for their visual > impact. Again, a curved or straight grade would make such planning on > paper essential. > > Thanks to all, > > Gene Cimino > Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
