| At least 50mm is required to clear a track below. |
The chart below shows what the height (h) will be for a given horizontal distance (x) for a gradient of 2%, 3%, 4% and 6%.
|
x (mm) |
h(2%) (mm) |
h(3%) (mm) |
h(4%) (mm) |
h(6%) (mm) |
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
250 |
5 |
7.5 |
10 |
15 |
|
500 |
10 |
15 |
20 |
30 |
|
750 |
15 |
22.5 |
30 |
45 |
|
1000 |
20 |
30 |
40 |
60 |
|
1250 |
25 |
37.5 |
50 |
75 |
|
1500 |
30 |
45 |
60 |
90 |
|
1750 |
35 |
52.5 |
70 |
105 |
|
2000 |
40 |
60 |
80 |
120 |
Conversion table between % and 1:n
|
gradient |
gradient |
|
1% |
1:100 |
|
2% |
1:50 |
|
3% |
1:33 |
|
4% |
1:25 |
|
5% |
1:20 |
|
6% |
1:17 |
Some people say 4% or 1 in 25, is too steep for n-gauge trains, while others say it is perfectly ok... so I set out to prove what my trains were capable of.
| Terminology: Gradient = Grade |
To check the performance of locos on gradients, I took a
2.4m plank of wood, screwed some peco flexitrack to it, connected it to my DCC
track output, and elevated one end using books. The plank was set up
with a 4% gradient. All my locos were tested twice, using the standard Lenz CV
variables for acceleration, start voltage and speed curves.
Two train loads were tested
|
Loco |
Test train (1) | Test train (2) |
| Minitrix Re 4/4-460 "Rigi" | Pass | Pass |
| Minitrix Re 4/4-460 "My Switzerland" | Pass | Pass |
| Arnold BR127 "Eurosprinter" | Pass | Pass |
| Kato Re 4/4-460 | Pass | Pass |
| Minitrain RBDe560 | Pass | Pass |
| Arnold RBe 540 | Pass | Pass |
All my locos could start and accelerate up the slope - the table above lists them in order of capability (a bit subjective).
The main point here is all the above trains could accelerate from standstill up hill, and appeared to have more power available. Note that the locos were tested on a straight piece of track and some performance would be lost on curves.
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