Track Elevation Question

The Fastrack graduated trestle set has 22 bents...11 up, 11 down.  They're to be spaced at each track joint, assuming a 10" straight track section.  The rise is about 6".  For 110" of run that works out to over a 5% grade.  It was an even steeper proposition with the old O-27 graduated set for tubular track.  There the straights are only 8-3/4" long, so it works out to a grade over 6%. 

It's much worse if you have ANY curves on the climb.  You'll lose a fair amount of traction and add to the frictional load in going uphill around a curve. 

When you speak of a K4 pulling 7 HW pass cars, I'm assuming we're talking about the 18" cars?? I think it's really pushing the envelope, so to speak to go steeper than 2%.

The other issue for long equipment on steep grades is the grade transitions at the bottom and top of the hill.  If they're not 'eased' you're going to be asking for trouble with pilots, couplers, wheels leaving the rails, etc..

I know you'll get a lot of different opinions on this issue...it's been bandied about several times on the forum.  But, IMHO, 2% is your limit.  It was for me when I designed my layout.  It's just one man's opinion.

FWIW, always...

KD

KD, thank you for your response. You explained what I needed to know. Yes part of the gradual incline will be on a curve. I am doing the "cookie cutter" method of making the rise. The climb will start on 060 curve, than I plan on a 10' straight run. The passanger cars are yet to deliver from Lionel, they are the new Red Arrow Pennsy to go with the K4. Not sure of the length of the cars .

Best regards

Bob R

Bob.......I used the Lionel FT Graduated Trestle system, whereby I used all 22 pieces, (well actually I think I only used 20 of the pieces) to complete the single grade, by shimming those of the same height. Virtually the whole grade, consists of an 060 loop. By using all 22 supports, as KD said, the grade is about 2.5%.

I pull a 7 car consist of 16" Williams Aluminum Passenger cars, with an ABA set of Lionel Canadian Pacific F3's, and don't have any issues. I also pull the Lionel GATX Tank train (8 Tank cars) with a single NS Dash 9 diesel, and also have no issues with that set.

Here's an pic of the grade during the early construction stage, which pretty much starts at the end of the MTH bridge.

Hope this helps

REV

REV, thank you for your response and photos. You have a very nice layout I like the way you made your grade. I believe I will go for the 2.5% grade now that I know your trains are making it okay. I appreciate you letting me know.

Bob R

Glad you found my experience useful. Truth be known, in actual fact, I think my grades are closer to 3% since I didn't use all 22 pieces of the trestle set. Anyway Bob, I have no problems at all, whether going up or down.

I don't know how much added difficulty the grade being pretty much completely in a loop, but still no issues here. As a matter of fact, although I've never tried, I'm sure I could pull quite a few more cars if I wanted to. I'm sure it will work out OK for you.

REV

At 2.5 % you will have it made.  You can cut the blocks yourself.  It's kind of fun to do the math.  What goes up must come down, hopefully very smoothly.  Have fun.

Thanks for the response Rev & William.

I am using wood risers to lift the wood beneath the track. I cut the wood a little wider than the Fastrack seperate cuts for the two mains making elevation different for each main. The track will be mounted on plywood covered with 1/2" Homosote.

Bob