Hi again Jack --
A 2% grade is not truly easy pulling, but it is better than 3% by quite a
bit. I use 2% on my layout which can work the locos pretty hard and easily
cuts train length by half compared to level track, probably more. You are
compounding that by a very tight radius (for S) which increases the drag of
the train considerably. I would guess that the average loco would be lucky
to pull 10 cars up 3% straight track.
The next question has more to do with the feasibility of using such a tight
radius: What kind of equipment are you intending to run on this helix?
Scale or hi-rail? Steam, diesel or other? If you are planning hi-rail,
this radius is not great, but possible. If you are planning scale (which
is what this list is supposed to be), I can not recommend radii of less than
36“ (6 foot circle), unless you are using small motive power (switchers,
road switchers, very small steam). Even medium sized steamers rarely like
curves of less than 40” radius.
Like almost everything, these choices are a compromise between space
available, operational desires, type of equipment and layout design
elements.
Some, like me, forsake complex layout design for having wide radius curves,
others forsake realistic looks for lots of operation, still others focus on
scenery at the cost of operations or vice versa.
You have not stated what your space available is for the whole railroad.
Usually one can maximize railroad space in a given room space by running
around the walls of a room. Jack Burgess turned his whole room into a
giant helix, as his railroad spirals up from waist high to over your head.
Have fun!
Bill Winans
------------------
Jim,
I'm guessing 2 percent is the grade you need for easy pulling, but 2.8 is
almost 3 percent. Is that too steep for a S scale helix?
Jack Bartman
-----------------------
Oh boy, a math puzzle.... (GRIN) Let's see if the little gray cells are
working...! In this scenario, to keep the radius at 23" (46" diameter), you
would have to increase the rate of elevation to 2.8%. Conversely, to hold it
to a 2% rise, you would need to increase the radius to just under 31"...
right?
Jim Kindraka
Plymouth, WI
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