Switch back for elevation

[NW Modeling List]

A few considerations:
 
    Required length depends upon the maximum grade  desired.  For a 2% grade, 
25 inches are necessary to rise 1/2 inch.   3% - 17 in.; 5% - 10 in.;  6% - 9 
in.; 10% - 5 in.  
    Remember that the switches have to be horizontal so  add a few inches at 
each end of the graded run between the frogs for the  vertical easements 
to/from the grade.  Should only need a few inches for a  2 or 3% grade but more if 
the grade is steeper.
    A major consideration is the length of your planned  trains.  Trains have 
to fit the length of track beyond the points at both  ends as well as within 
the runs between the frogs.  Not much of a problem  if you are in HO or 
smaller.  9 1/2 feet will allow a 30 in. train  comfortably.  Larger scales will be 
restricted.
    The 7 inch horizontal space does not look  sufficient unless you are in Z 
scale.  For six near parallel legs (3  inch rise at 1/2 inch per run) about 1 
1/2 inches width per run (track  separation plus a small width for grade 
scenery) are necessary for N scale, 2  1/2 in for HO, 5 in. for O.  Number 8 
turnouts will support this track  separation without additional width..
 
Good luck.
 
Bob Lang
Layouts That Fit
Custom Model Railroads
San Diego
 
 
 
In a message dated 1/26/2009 8:23:47 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,  
nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org writes:



Gentlemen,
I have a two questions I'm hoping that some one will be able to  answer 
without giving me alot of percentages.
My son and I are building a layout that will have logging area that will  be 
3 inches up from the 2 inch foam base that will sit on 1/2 inch  plywood.
My questions are how long do we need to raise up 1/2 inch at a time  to 
switch backs and how wide do we need as we will be using #8 turnout and #8  curved 
turnouts to reach the 3 inch high logging area?
We have 9 1/2 feet from the starting point to the first turnout by 7  inches 
to the 3 inch point of the last turnout.
This layout was planned with 3rd Plan It software.
Thank you for your help.
Yours aye,
Macdonald,  RB


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