Hello,

I want to build a two layers layout, having the bottom/subway layer running (in the meantime) a freight locomotive pulling intermodal cars. Based on the Marklin catalog, to have a 104.5 mm difference between levels (this based in the ramps building model) I need a 1,62 mts long ramp. I want to set a 12 cms / 4.7 inch difference between layers, this in order to have the intermodals running over C tracks without problem.

My question is: What's the best angle / shortest ramp that I can use to maximize space usage and to avoid problems like a very high angle, giving a hard time to the locomotive pulling the cars.

Needless to say, my drawing skills suck.




Thanks!!

Hi,

Up to 4% grade should be ok. If you are running very long trains, the smaller the grade the better. 2% grades seem to have no impact on operations at all on my layout.

-Brandon

I believe there is a confusion between angle and gradient here. Both above examples have a 6.45% slope which is too high for a straight section of track and impossible to master in a curve. Thus, for climbing 12 cm at a (decent) 4% slope, one needs 300 cm of track. And according to my experience a 4% slope is borderline for a 200 cm long train.

If you want to be fairly certain that all your Märklin- trains can run up the ramp, you´d better stay below 3%.
But... Depending on the type of trains and Märklin loks you use, you can probably use up to 10% (!) incline on a straight.
Curves should have less incline -say half of the normal, and you shouldn´t install switches on the inclined sections.
Also remember to start and stop the inclined section with a few tracks gradually transitioning between the level and the inclined tracks. You´ll probably loose even more ramp-length on that account, but it is essential to avoid de-coupling and stalling.

If you are not going to run other trains, then do a test right now; see how much your trains can take without suffering. There´s no better way to answer your questions than that!!! ;-)

If you run non-Märklin materiel, or maybe lokos without traction-tires, the incline should be even less...

Hi Danilo,all,
Could you please post a track plan and what you what to do?
You could do a floor layout with risers/straight/curve track pieces and test your trains first to see how they perform.
Even though we,well most of us have a very finite space for our models look what the prototype does,they try to keep grades(%) to a minimum and you should too,...
Remember also that the lower level has to have enough room to get your hands in there!

Dirt

Hi Danilo,all,
Thanks,it is what I did on the old layout.
A couple of more thoughts but you should do some testing on your own.Please.
You could start the incline well ahead of the curve,as the curve will increase resistance of the train.That is a gradual incline of the tracks,so it(again) gradually makes it way to the top level.This will not decrease the climb but may make it easier to do so,a head-start so to speak.

Dr D