RailPro User Group

General => General Discussion => Topic started by: KiloWhiskey on February 14, 2019, 09:32:52 PM

Title: Steepest grade for a loco only.
Post by: KiloWhiskey on February 14, 2019, 09:32:52 PM

Im contemplating an L shaped shelf layout in HO. If I ran track to to a loco staging yard below, what is the steepest grade a mid tier diesel can handle?

Title: Re: Steepest grade for a loco only.
Post by: Alan on February 15, 2019, 07:35:19 AM

I don't know but suspect it will vary widely depending upon locomotive choice. Put a piece of flex track on a 2x4 and find out. The enter/exit transitions will be quite long for a very steep grade. A lot of modelers opt for an elevator or cassette system instead of a super steep grade.

Title: Re: Steepest grade for a loco only.
Post by: Dean on February 15, 2019, 10:59:34 PM

Adding weight to the engine will help it climb grades.