Working out gradients

[tom_tom_go]

Maths is not my strong point so could someone please confirm I have worked this out correctly?

Lowest point of hill (X) = 23mm
Highest point of hill (Y) = 29mm
Distance from X to Y = 1200mm

Do I just divide Y by the distance from X so my average gradient is 1:41.37?

Cheers

Tom

[Chris Cairns]

Tom,

Gradient can be expressed as a percentage of the rise (vertical measurement) against the run (horizontal measurement).

So in your case the vertical measurement is 6mm (29-23mm) against the horizontal measurement of 1200mm.

So that is 0.005=0.5% or 1 in 200 (6 in 1200).

Chris Cairns.

[tom_tom_go]

Thanks Chris, much appreciated.

I would of thought 1 in 200 is a generous gradient for our locos going downhill, however, I am finding on this section of track my train does run away quickly.

I have to have the gradient in place unfortunately!