Layout Question...

Jan 03, 2004 2 Replies

Pardon me if I am being something of a newbie here, but I have a couple of questions about layout design.


  1. What is a reasonable maximum grade for an extended slope? 3%? 4%?


  1. Atlas code 55 N scale track does not appear to have holes for tacking the track down. What is the preferred attachment method for this track?



Thanks! Dean


The typical up-and-over figure eight layouts found in toy train sets have grades of about 3.5%. It's workable, but the pulling power of locomotives can be seriously compromised on such steep grades. (Of course, figure-8 layouts by nature are small enough that long trains aren't a possibility.) Many modelers prefer limiting grades to about 2% or so. The grades are still noticable, but not so steep that they seriously limit train length.

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required