Grade of Graduated Pier Set?

[Zophiel]

Can someone inform me of the average grade recommended when using the 18-Piece Graduated Pier Set? Also, what are the heights of each part?

[ABC]

When dealing with HO scale it is best to keep your grades below 3% in most cases unless modeling something like a  or narrow gauge railroad.

[Chris350]

<insert aspirin>

[pdlethbridge]

now I have a headache, thanks

[Joe Satnik]

Dear All,

It must be about a 3" rise using 9 of the 18 piers.  If you use a pier every 9" track section, that comes close to 81" run. 

3"/81" = 0.037 or about 3.7%. 

Assuming the piers are eased into and out of the vertical curve with a half-step top and bottom,

3"/(1/2 step +7 full steps + 1/2 step) = 3"/8 per full step.

3/8" full step in 9 inches run = 4.2 % rise. 

If that's not challenge enough for your loco, add curves to the grade, as in an up-and-over Figure-8.

Hope this helps...

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik       

[Zophiel]

I think that helps a lot. I'm trying to determine how much area I should plan for a bridge. This seems to answer that or at least point to one.