[Super M puller]

This is my first post here so bare with me if this is a stupid question.


What is the steepest angle that a HO train can climb ?


Reason for question: I have built a 4x16 logging layout. I have built several grades that are just to much fot the trains to climb.

Even the all wheel drive shay has trouble.


Is there a rule of thumb ? This sucks just when i thought i was making head way.


I'm tring to have the trains go up into the mountains and back to the saw mill. I have looked at alot of photos and other layouts , "Help" .


Thanks in advance Jim

 

[shaygetz]

It's not a stupid question, it is in fact quite reasonable. Grades are measured in inches in rise over 100 in length, i.e. a 3" rise in 100" is 3%, an 1 1/2" in 100" is 1.5% and so on...anything over 3% is not recommended though 4% is not unheard of, even among those we would consider "pros". Since you'd want at least 3" to clear any tracks going under bridges and such, this becomes real important and one of the reasons why over and under figure 8 trestle sets usually don't work well.

 

[tankist]

Hey Jim.
to add to what Shay said you also need careful easement for grades to work. meaning if you settled on 4% grade (quite a challenging one) you cannot go from 0 to 4, you will need your track to gradually make it to set grade. otherwise you will get plows scraping on the bottom and cars uncoupling on the crest