Joined: 28/08/2009(UTC)
Posts: 3
Location: ,
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I am new to Z scale and was wondering what the maximum optimum grade would be on a main line and what grade I could use maximum . Also what grade could I use on a branch line Using just a small engine and one or twocars 
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 Joined: 23/11/2007(UTC) Posts: 1,828 Location: Sydney, Australia
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Welcome to this faulous forum and to the best small scale. As it so happens I'm wrestling with the matter of grades right now!
When I planned the layout I'm building now (an elongated figure 8) I didn't really think too much about grades, but thought the 4% maximum recommended by Marklin should be OK. Well, it is for locos running light and for very short trains but not for most long passenger or freight trains.
I'd suggest that for the reliable and realistic main line running of typical mainline freight and passenger traffic you should be looking at about 2% or 2.5% at the most. I've managed to get mine down to 3%, which is still a bit of a struggle for some locos. What you should also avoid, if at all possible for your main line, is to have curves on a grade - a long train going around a curve drags on the loco whether going up a grade or not.
As for branch lines with very short trains like you describe, 4% should be OK. Maybe even more if you're game. To test it out, set up a length of track on a plank and prop one end up to get the grade you want.
In all this, loco weight can be an issue. Just like the real thing, a heavier loco gets better traction.
Which country do you live in? A recommendation - if you can, get hold of the Marklin track planning book, Cat # 0296 for the English version. It's a valuable source for those new to the scale and to the Marklin way.
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Gary
Z Scale
"Never let the prototype get in the way of a good layout" |
 1 user liked this useful post by ozzman
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Joined: 28/08/2009(UTC)
Posts: 3
Location: ,
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I live in The Southern part of Alberta , About 160km North of the U.S. Border. Just read an Artical in the news. It seems though you winter temperatures care higher than our Summer ones.
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Joined: 06/03/2005(UTC)
Posts: 1,159
Location: The Netherlands
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Also important on a grade: keep the track clean! Specially some grease can cause a lot of problems on a grade.
Märklin has a special DMU to clean the tracks, a well worth investment (Marklin 88021). |
Absolutly AFB-NOHAB fan ;-) |
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Joined: 23/11/2007(UTC) Posts: 1,828 Location: Sydney, Australia
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Quote:[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by MärCo
<br />Also important on a grade: keep the track clean! Specially some grease can cause a lot of problems on a grade.
Märklin has a special DMU to clean the tracks, a well worth investment (Marklin 88021).
A very good point! As well as the 88021 there's also the 86501, which is a gondola wagon in disguise (a far better option for those who dislike those rail buses as much as I do!). Another point is that the wheels of your locos need to be kept clean. After a while they pick up all sorts of gunk and grease and will not give good traction on any of your rails, let alone grades. Edit: Yes, we do have a great climate here in Sydney  |
Gary
Z Scale
"Never let the prototype get in the way of a good layout" |
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Joined: 25/11/2005(UTC)
Posts: 124
Location: Dublin, OH
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The standard recommendation is not to go above 2%. I have found this to be the most reliable for operations. Since you are only looking at running a small loco with 2-3 cars, you may be able to get away with 3% or possibly 4%. I design my layouts so the main lines have not grades. This really goes a long way for operations. I do grade my branch lines and keep them to no more than 2%. This gives me a good mix of trains work over and under the main line.
I agree with keeping the track clean. I use Gaugemasters to help keep the rails in runner order. I love these and have them connected to all of my transformers. It is definitely worth it to add these between your rails and transformers.
Rob |
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Joined: 01/01/2008(UTC)
Posts: 874
Location: Scotland
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Hi. My layout has a 4% grade using 145mm radius curves. Ironically, the smaller locos (BR89, BR74 and, even, BR38) romp up it pushing 5-6 2-axle wagons/coaches. However, the larger locos really struggle with wheels spinning (which also applies on the level with longer trains that the small locos have no problems with.
Chris. |
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 Joined: 21/10/2004(UTC) Posts: 31,689 Location: United Kingdom
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Hi and Welcome to the forum, Enchantkid. |
Large Marklinist 3- Rails Layout with CS2/MS2/Boosters/C-track/favorites Electric class E03/BR103, E18/E118, E94, Crocodiles/Steam BR01, BR03, BR05, BR23, BR44, BR50, Big Boy. |
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