--- In [email protected], "Marty.Thorin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> I am worried about going from 0% grade to 4%
> grade without a transition.
Hi Thorin....Without a transisition, you will have one mighty fine KINK
in the rail. Good to be concerned about this.
> How long is the transition section from flat
Ideally, you'd want the transition to be as gradual as possible. From
a practical aspect, it could be as sharp as you like as long as the
pilot on steam locos does not scrape on the rails. Or, the trailing
trucks or pilot trucks on the steamers do not "hit" the frame or the
bottom side of the loco. At the top of the grade, watch carefully to
insure that wheels do not lift up off the rails. All wheels should be
in good contact with the rails at all times. Also, y'gotta be careful
the couplers do not become disengaged due to the sharply varying
elevations. Said in other words, check the operation of your locos to
be sure they are not adversely affected before making the trackwork
installation permanent. Docksides will tolerate much more than 4-8-4s -
- that's for sure.
> Is there a formula?
One good formula for success is to test it very carefully with your
largest engine and make sure it works for you. Depending on some
unknown author or publisher to know what is best for your layout is a
bit risky. One practical approach would be to use 1/4" or 1/2" thick
plywood and force it into a gradual vertical curve and temporarily
fasten it into place. Then do some test running with temporary
trackwork. Then make a decision regarding suitablility.
> Many thanks in advance for this information,
> Thorin
Hope it helps...Ed L.
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/
<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional
<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join
(Yahoo! ID required)
<*> To change settings via email:
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
<*> 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/
