Throwing me a curve

[Pitchwife]

Everything that I have read, both here and from other sources say that you shouldn't start an incline on a curve. With my current layout plan there is a place that I can't figure out any way to put a straight piece to start the incline without reducing the radius of the curve by a substantial amount. Right now it has a radius of 25 1/2" and is in a difficult location to access. Is there any way that I can do this safely?

I guess my question is, which is the better route to go, a straight shot at a tighter curve or a gentle incline into a wider curve?

If I can get away without the straight piece the design works better but if I gotta then I gotta.

Clark

[Clerk]

Clark. I have heard about that to but I did it anyway. If it works here is a picture.

I have no trouble runing trains on them.

[Pitchwife]

That's great news. I was hoping that it was possable. You have taken a load off of my mind. Thanks Clerk.

Nice picture too. It always helps to have that visual input to back up the theory.

As soon as I get something substansial going I'll post some photos myself. Right now I'm still prepping the room and finalizing the design. It might be a bit ambitious but I've been dreaming of it for so many years. Now is where the iron hits the tracks.

Thanks again
Clark

[rockislandmike]

On an unrelated note, having a fridge with cold beer and/or coke right next to the layout is an excellent idea.

[Pitchwife]

Also an excelent source of snow for those winter scenes. Just make sure you have adequate drainage.

[N Gauger]

Dang - if that fringiner... regifer.. regefer.. ahhhh -- "Ice Box" wasn't there you could've extended that left leg about another 20 inches --------- ROFL !!!!

Nice Layout!!!!!!!!!

And yes you can start an incline with a Gentile Curve - If you can, is there any way you can Increase the radius???

But 25.5 " will be ok - I definatly do NOT recommend (from experience) any radius smaller than that!

So I guess my vote is for gentle grade and wider curve

[Pitchwife]

The only way to increase the radius would be to knock out a wall. Only then I'd have to classify it as a Garden Railroad!

[N Gauger]

Originally posted by Pitchwife
The only way to increase the radius would be to knock out a wall. Only then I'd have to classify it as a Garden Railroad!

ROFL -- Go for it!! I always wanted a garden Railway

Anyway - Hope the answers helped

[Vic]

Hmmm, that's a new one on me...practically every grade on my layout starts, climbs and ends on a curve. Was I supposed to know that wouldn't work??? ....but it did

[N Gauger]

Originally posted by Vic
Hmmm, that's a new one on me...practically every grade on my layout starts, climbs and ends on a curve. Was I supposed to know that wouldn't work??? ....but it did

No, just Tight Small radius curves - when you start pulling a lot of cars they have a tendency to derail around tight curves.

Plus, this puts an extra strain on the engine(s) that are pulling them up the grade. It's easier to pull a straight line of cars.

[Clerk]

Guys. That happens to be a freezer. If it wasn't for that I could have extended another 2 feet and the other side is 11 feet long. I wished I had another place for the freezer but the wife says NO!!

[yellowlynn]

Waaaay back in the middle ages when I was first getting started in "real" model RRing, I had a layout that had several curving inclines. I didn't have a bit of trouble at all as far as that was concerned. I didn't like the grunt, grunt going up and the wheeee coming down so all my track is level now.. I do have a winding up, over and down under for my Shays. They could climb a tree if they could get a toehold

All this boils down to is, I have had curving inclines in the past with not a single complaint.

Lynn

[Pitchwife]

Thanks everyone for the input. As usual you have come to the rescue! Your help is truely appreciated.

[RailRon]

Clerk, about that freezer:
Couldn't you talk your wife into laying that box sidewise on the floor? Ok, now the door folds down when you open it. And yes, now the shelves would divide the interior into vertical compartments - but who cares? You still can put the same amount of stuff into that box!
On the side wall of the freezer (which was now on top) there's room enough for a spacious engine terminal. How about that?

Oh well, Clark - back to the theme of the thread:

I never had problems with elevation changes in curves. But IMHO the most important thing is to have easements - horizontally and vertically. Obviously, abrupt changes in curvature or elevation call for instant disaster.

Ron

[rockislandmike]

Speaking of which, I really need to figure those things out (easements that is) before I tackle the rest of my layout. I'm a mathematical wizard, so I don't know why I get frustrated with the explanation in Armstrong's book.