Model Railway Forum

Hi all very new to this just starting to plan my first layout not sure about the elevation I've tested a train and it seems fine the track needs supporting properly just after some ideas and advice
Nick

Outside of building up the base underneath to represent earth, etc ,
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GVzoSeB-ihA/ ... tracks.jpg

or build like this
https://i.pinimg.com/736x/bc/a1/40/bca1 ... 394936.jpg

you could use
https://www.hornby.com/uk-en/shop/acces ... t-set.html

You should be made aware of the fact that polystyrene can damage insulation on cables.


Keep you gradients as shallow as possible, the recommended minimum is 1 in 30.

Walkingthedog wrote: ↑Sun Dec 01, 2019 10:31 pm Keep you gradients as shallow as possible, the recommended minimum is 1 in 30.

And avoid gradients on curves or you need even gentler slopes - curved track induces drag.

Should I have put maximum instead of minimum?

Walkingthedog wrote: ↑Mon Dec 02, 2019 9:36 am Should I have put maximum instead of minimum?

No - that would have increased the incline. I saw a layout recently where there inclines were 1/100 inches (it was a big layout).

I use 2 degrees (1 in 50) as my ideal max slope, although from experience I try to avoid any change of elevation. You can go steeper but it limits your trains and starts to look unrealistic.

As an example to give a clear 3” line over line I need to have at least 12 feet 6 inches rising line plus any extra allowance for curves and the transition at top and bottom.

Yes of course Barry. For the minimum incline you need a maximum second figure. That is what was flicking through my mind. I really should let my brain warm up before I use it.

Walkingthedog wrote: ↑Mon Dec 02, 2019 10:44 am Yes of course Barry. For the minimum incline you need a maximum second figure. That is what was flicking through my mind. I really should let my brain warm up before I use it.

It was very cold this morning.