On an HO layout, utilizing affordable HO locomotives, what is the maximum grade I should plan into my hills before expecting that the loco will have trouble pulling, say a dozen RR cars?
Posted by Tom H (Member # 53) on :
From experience, MOST (but not all) inexpensive (Athearn, etc.) will pull a dozen cars up a 5 or 6 % grade, but they will look better on a lower % of grade. I have run their SD40-2 up a 7% grade with 18 cars with no problem. On a club layout I have pulled 113 coal hoppers with just 1 SD40-2 - club grade was only 1%. Tom Have FUN & Keep on railroading.
Posted by Challenger (Member # 1298) on :
anything more than a 4% grade in my experience has created excessive and needles operating problems. Had to reallign all grades over 4% to $% or less to get reliable operations. Woodland scenics makes premade track risers to simplify construction.
Posted by Chuck Walsh (Member # 677) on :
quote:Originally posted by PTGCP: that the loco will have trouble pulling, say a dozen RR cars? [/B]
Don't over look engine weight. That's a hidden factor under the shell. Absolute minimum for steam/diesel, 16oz. The more the better. Also, free rolling ability of cars. Are you using plastic or metal wheel sets. Less resistance(wheel drag) if using metal. Wheelsets are a major-major topic in this hobby.
Posted by Konstantin (Member # 18) on :
Here is something else you may want to consider:
If you want your train to run smoothly by itself, without someone always on the throttle, the grades should be kept to a minimum. The locomotives can handle steeper grades, but you will have to give them more power. Once they get to the top of the hill, or even worse, start heading downhill, they will accelerate. This is ok if you are using the throttle throughout. I have found that beyond about 2%, the speeds start looking unrealistically fast downhill, and unrealistically slow uphill, if you are not adjusting the throttle.
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