Points on an incline

[Eaglecliff]

I ought to be able to work this out by trial and error, but any thoughts would be welcome; should points be laid on the flat part-way up an incline? I’m having trouble with larger locos struggling where they meet a downhill point just before the end of the incline. Should I move the point along to the flat?
If the point were to be half-way up the incline, does it make a difference whether the divergence or convergence is downhill or uphill?
PS I did read a similar thread from 2012 but it seemed a bit brief.

 

[dunnyrail]

Not quite sure I understand the problem, are you saying that the point in someway causes the loco to struggle when it passes over it?

 

[PhilP]

Seeing as how you are going downhill, and round a curve, as you diverge.. I am guessing you get a twisting 'moment' (is that the correct word?), as the curve will not be flat..

I believe it is normal for points on switchback rails to be on the level..?? My 'gut' says points should be on the level..

 

[Paul M]

As all railway's prefer straight and flat runs, anything different to that can cause problems, even slightly tight bends, so a point on an incline doesn't really bode well.

 

[G-force1]

I have a point on a 1:40 incline, used in both directions. It also has the main line on the curve, the stockyard is off it. The main thing is making sure that the whole thing is level across ways.

 

[Greg Elmassian]

Ditto, I try to avoid having a switch/turnout/point on a grade, but if it must be, make sure the cross-level is perfect.

Greg

 

[Eaglecliff]

Everyone seems to agree that level side-to-side, i.e. no superelevation, is vital. I’ll be looking again at the location of the point, as well as checking the point itself, and the ballast may be a bit “soft,” which won’t help. Fortunately if the problem won’t go away, I have the option to relocate the point to a flat area. The problem loco, although I haven’t checked the others, is the prima donna pictured left...

 

[playmofire]

Everyone seems to agree that level side-to-side, i.e. no superelevation, is vital. I’ll be looking again at the location of the point, as well as checking the point itself, and the ballast may be a bit “soft,” which won’t help. Fortunately if the problem won’t go away, I have the option to relocate the point to a flat area. The problem loco, although I haven’t checked the others, is the prima donna pictured left...

Did you forget something?

 

[stockers]

The full point needs to be level but not necessarily flat (as in no grade) including the track either side of it.. Putting the entire unit on a continuous grade should not be a problem unless it is very steep. I have 2 on about 1:50 grades.

 

[PhilP]

Did you forget something?

Think he is referring to his 'Avatar' picture??

Does said loco have any suspension, or is it quite rigid?

<edit> Does cowcatcher, err catch? Is it the front pony-truck giving problems??

 

[playmofire]

Think he is referring to his 'Avatar' picture??

Does said loco have any suspension, or is it quite rigid?

<edit> Does cowcatcher, err catch? Is it the front pony-truck giving problems??

Right, I understand now.

 

[Greg Elmassian]

"level but not flat" ... confusing/ambiguous...

better: level as in the grade along the rails.... cross-level is the prototype term, and really self-explanatory, for level from rail to rail

ok on grade, cross-level important at all times, more so on grade

 

[Eaglecliff]

Did you forget something?

On a bad day, I forget most things...

“Doctor, I think I’ve got amnesia.”
“When did it start?”
“When did what start?”

 

[Eaglecliff]

Think he is referring to his 'Avatar' picture??

Does said loco have any suspension, or is it quite rigid?

<edit> Does cowcatcher, err catch? Is it the front pony-truck giving problems??

The front axle has a bit of 3-dimensional movement, the rear two only sideplay. The bogie has 3-d movement, but you probably wouldn’t describe it as sloppy. The cowcatcher is long with plenty of overhang even on R3 curves and close to the ground so it might conceivably catch on ballast at the spot in question; it certainly does elsewhere where I obviouly haven’t yet flattened down some new grit properly. Unfortunately, geometry and lack of available space conspire to prevent the grade to be reduced, much as I would like to. For practical purposes two Jackson Sharps, with some pickups bent away from the wheels, is the limit at the critical point where the incline includes a reverse curve. No doubt many heads will be shaken at that.