Planning layout. Need helpful info using foam risers. Looks like I can only use 3.5% or 4% grade. I know 2% or 2.5% is preferred for aesthetics and better runs. I looked for previous posts on forum to discover how to use the woodland scenics risers. I watched some tutorials on youtube. The risers elevate to 4 inches and no more. I guess for HO. I would need to rise to 5.5 or 6 inches. For me foam risers is the easiest way to go. Can I create a steady rise without changing grade using a combination of those risers? Is there a video tutorial to show it? Wasn't sure which forum to post this. Thanks . ..........Fred
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I have these but use a band saw to cut them into the grade I need.
You can put a flat spacer under the risers and start over to get to 6". You just need more than one set of risers. I have the sub terrain manual that helps explain the method and also some risers that I don't need anymore. If you are interested, please email me and I will try to help.
Do the calculation. At 3.5% to get 5.5" you need Rise/Run X 100 = % grade.
5.5/x X100 = 3.5
5.5/x=.035
5.5/.035 = x
157.14" = x
13.09 ft.
ST 1411 set. 4% grade
This Incline/Decline Set includes 4 sections that rises 4 inches (10.1 cm) in an 8-foot (2.43 m) run. Incline/Decline Sets allow smooth transition from one height to another. To install, pin in place with Foam Nails and attach with Foam Tack Glue™ or the Low Temp Foam Glue Gun and Glue Sticks.
Each piece measures 2 1/2 in x 24 in (6.35 cm x 60.9 cm)
It would take two sets, and blocking to support the second set, after the first 8 ft. The additional 5.09ft. and 1.5" in elevation.
ST1416 set. 3% grade
This Incline/Decline Set includes 6 sections that rise 4 1/2 inches (11.4 cm) in a 12-foot (3.65 m) run. Incline/Decline Sets allow smooth transition from one height to another. To install, pin in place with Foam Nails and attach with Foam Tack Glue™ or the Low Temp Foam Glue Gun and Glue Sticks. Each piece measures 2 1/2 in x 24 in (6.35 cm x 60.9 cm) This is still short by 1.09 ft. and 1" in elevation.
I have similar grades 3.8% a best fit for the size of the room. They involve curves, and bridges.
7" track to track height difference worked best for me to do a tunnel.
Thank you all for your very helpful explanations. I feel careful planning is important...and then still more planning arises. I did just order the Woodland Scenics sub terrain manual as I think it will be helpful for me.
Woodland scenics does not make risers and the elevated system for 0 scale. My track and ballast is 3 1/8" wide. With the 2 1/2" wide HO system they offer, how do you all make up for the more than 1/2" difference in the width needed for 0 scale track. Splitting the risers in half and leaving a empty space in between just don't seem like a good way to proceed, but that is the only way I can see the system working. I am curious to know the best way to use their system for 0 scale, and how you fellows worked it out.
To use them with O gauge, you put two sets side by side (butted together).
Thanks Mike. I was afraid of that because the risers are now twice as expensive as HO. I would think there is enough demand from the 0 scale market for WS to expand more into 0 scale track building materials. I am intrigued by WS 5 step track plan but; it may be cost prohibitive for me.
If you use, or think you might want in the future to use KD couplers, be aware that they can be very sensitive to grade changes. Especially on scale length passenger cars or long freight cars like scale auto racks. Of course, once all wheels are on the grade, 1% or 10% hardly matters. It's the transition area that is a problem with scale couplers.
This was a problem for me and limited me to 1% risers.
Thank you very much for that tidbit of information. I had no idea that changing grades could cause issues with KD couplers.
That is the kind of stuff that makes this such a great forum.
I had a 4% grade in 2 rail with an 44ac a with Kadee's on all my rolling stock and had no problems.
So it sounds like 4% grade or less should work fine.
I used these extensively on my layout. I did not need two did by side for one o scale set of track I used one per track. In some areas I have a double track mainline, and did use 2 in that case.
These work very well for grades on a curve.
Korber Models posted:I used these extensively on my layout. I did not need two did by side for one o scale set of track I used one per track. In some areas I have a double track mainline, and did use 2 in that case.
These work very well for grades on a curve.
Rich, do these have a built-in transition or did you add a transition or don't they need one for a 4% incline?
The came with all the parts needed. It starts very thin at one end and grows from there based on the grade selected.
they also have separate package of extra grade starters for other projects where you might need a very thin piece to start an incline.
Thanks, Rich.
I'm about to install Scenic Express inclines/declines on my layout - I am going to "double up" and place 2 sets side by side so that the width of the incline will be extended to 5 inches. I am using Atlas track with cork roadbed and have 2 questions:
1. I would like to know if anyone knows how to fasten down the track to the incline????
2. Woodland Scenics and Scenic Express both have inclines - does anyone know the exact height of the Scenic Express 3% incline at its highest point? (Some say it's 4 inches others say it is 4 1/2 inches)
Thanx
Paul
On the layout that I am doing, I only have a total of nine feet to work with and am using the MTH Arch Bridge. Is there anyway to use the 4% incline system and add to it, or should I just use the MTH incline set which I know would work?
If you have a table saw, you can cut your own risers out of a 4’ x 8’ x 3” white foam board for a fraction of the cost.
I cut my own for my layout and I have no regrets. Purchase a large stick hot glue gun and away you go
Al
Hey Al,
Do you have a picture of how you did it?
Did you make continuous ramps like WS or separate trestles like Lionel?
Also where did you get 4x8x3 white foam?
I have been unable to find sheet foam that is not pink or blue