I started with some modules in N to gain some experience before building my small basement empire. After reading many posts I followed the advise to put some industries a little bit higher than mainline level for visual distraction. To make a long story short, my attempt for a grade 12" long, gaining 3/4" failed. The transitions are bumpy . How would you do such short grade, or is it too short? Sand it in wood or foam (this is what I tried)? Or use risers, but how to make such little ones? Any tip is welcome.
Frank if you have a bevel guide for your tablesaw or a friend with one you can cut the angle with that to a zero angle, where the track starts to rise I sometimes use some spackle to make the final transition. Good luck Pat
Frank, Although it is very short, that is a very steep grade; it works out to a 6.25% grade (0.75"/12"). It certainly will be difficult for most N Scale locomotives to pull any number of cars up such a grade (even though there would likely only be 3 or 4 cars on the grade itself at any given time). If it is at all possible, you may want to double the length of the grade, while still going up the same distance. This will reduce the grade to a more manageable 3.2% (even this can be a challenge to quite a few N Scale locomotives). In terms of creating the grade, you should take a look at the Woodlands Scenics styrofoam risers. These are very good for creating a grade. However, even when using these, you should carefully go along the entire grade to ensure that it remains consistent, and that there aren't any unplanned "mini grade changes" along its length. Note, I say "unplanned" grade changes, for using the Woodlands Scenic foam riser gives you the opportunity to "transition" into and out of the grade by stretching out the ends riser and thereby creating a more gentle grade at the beginning and end of the grade. However, if you do this, ensure that you have not simply "bunched up" the middle sections of the riser, as this will more greatly increase the grade there. Hope this helps!
Thanks for the ideas. I looked at the WS riser thing but in my LHS they are too costy for what I want to achieve. 6% is indeed a steep grade but at a maximum two cars may be delivered. Though, having not installed yet the scenery I will make the grade a bit longer. I will also try out the spackle for the transition part. Sometimes the most obvious things don't come in mind.
Frank: To create the grade, I used styrofoam the height of the siding. That would be about 3/8 inch or one cm., at the most. (N scale) Then, I use a block with sandpaper and sand the approach into a smooth transition. A little messy, but it can be made very smooth. Additionally, I don't think it has to be perfect. If you can get the track to be the correct height, ballasting will hold it all in place, regardless if there is a small unsupported distance (one inch; 2.54 cm) underneath the track. Just my technique. If the transition is significant, it needs to have a vertical spiral to the grade track just like a curve would have a horizontal sprial easement. Probably not applicable in this case.
