How much flat between elevation changes?

crclass Apr 22, 2018

  1. crclass

    crclass TrainBoard Member

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    I am trying to come up with a HCD layout that has a crossover. The actual crossover I want to do is an over/under not on the same plain. So what I am thinking is a 2% grade for both tracks. I want one to drop down and the other to rise up splitting the clearance evenly. Is a foot enough of a flat before rising or dropping again? Obviously I would still have cars rising as the loco starts dropping and vice versa. I am looking to break up the monotony and have an excuse for a trestle. Thanks for all the help.
     
  2. Mr. Trainiac

    Mr. Trainiac TrainBoard Member

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    What scale is this? If it is N scale, you are probably fine. If you are running long HO flat cars, maybe not. Shorter HO cars like 40’ boxcars might still work. You want to be worried about your couplers coming undone. If you set up a test track on some blocks and the cars stay together, it should work on your layout.
     
    crclass likes this.
  3. crclass

    crclass TrainBoard Member

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    Thank you, yes it is N scale. I have a one track mind at times and forget there are other scales, even though I grew up with HO and if space wasn't such a concern it would still be HO.
     
  4. MRLdave

    MRLdave TrainBoard Member

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    As already mentioned it's really a coupler issue..........If two adjacent cars are on opposite grades the couplers between will have an extreme angle to each other and you'll have a lot of uncoupling issues. Obviously the more transition the better, but at long as you have a couple of car lengths between grades you should be OK. If you are putting a bridge/trestle at the top, that should be sufficient flat space.
     
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  5. crclass

    crclass TrainBoard Member

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    Thank you so much. That should be one less issue in my plan.
     
  6. HemiAdda2d

    HemiAdda2d Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Like mentioned above, at least a carlength of level grade before changing up or downgrade.
     

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