Grades

[Cody J]

What is the ratio of inches to percents for HO grades? Sorry is that doesn't make sense. Maybe: How do you measure HO grades?

Sorry, for not making sense I'm not exactly sure how to word it.

Thanks,
cody

[ebtnut]

Grades are not tied to a particular scale.  A 2% grade is the same in N, HO, O, etc.  The easiest shorthand for modelers is to use the following:

1" rise in 24" =  a 4% grade

1" rise in 36" = a 3% grade

1" rise in 48" = a 2% grade

In general, try and keep your grades to 3% or less.  If you intend to rise up over another track, you will need to maintain a minimum clearance.  In HO, this is normally 3 inches from the top of the railhead to the bottom of the overhead. 

[Cody J]

thanks

[jward]

to add to what bob said, you can use a 24" carpenter's level to set your grades. the rario using this method is 1/4" riseover the length of the level per percent of grade. thus, 1% = 1/4" rise, 2%=1/2" rise, 3%=3/4" rise,
4%=1" rise.

that said, i am probably in the minority in that i am not afraid to use a 4% grade on a small layout where i may have little choice. you won't be running monster trains on a 4x8 anyway, and most model diesels will handle 4-5 cars on a 4% grade. i had to use a 4% on my current layout, and with the short trains it hasn't proven objectionable.

[Cody J]

thanks for all the info