Gradient question

daylightguy

layout builder
I'm currently working on a route that I want to have fairly long and heavy grades on it and I have run into a small problem. after all of the years I have owned a trainz program I have never been able to figure out how to make some form of a realistic grade or one that is consistant at least, and I have attempted to use the gradient tool however It hasn't worked out too well. I want to know what are some ways that you guys have been able to make like a two precent grade or made other grades that would be over a few miles or how can I can use the gradient tool a bit better to make some form of a grade like around two or three precent.
Thanks again.
 
A RR gradient is not symmetrical, and is not a constant grade ... it is ups and downs, and variations of many different gradients.

Ex: A level 0.00% grade, changes next into a +0.10% grade, then a +0.20% grade, then a +0.30% grade ... then to a level 0.00% grade, then to a -0.10% grade, then to a -0.20% grade, then to a -0.30% grade, then to a level 0.00% grade ... etc ...

Very rarely does a grade go from level 0.00%, into a + 0.50% grade, or greater ... it is usually a gradual processional series of increasing gradients.

Most mainline gradients are less than 2.00%

Do not use multitrack splines ... use single track.

Always apply @ 3 gradients, then fall back 4, and constantly re-check you work ... as the previous gradients oftentimes foul each other up ... I don't know why though.
 
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I've tried making a mile long straight track and use the gradient percent and that works. Then I add spline points and move the track where it needs to go. Otherwise for me it is a lot of trail and error.
 
If you know the start and end elevations of your piece of track you can use the "Track Scanner" trackside object.
Lay out your track to the correct (horizontal) alignment. It is likely your track will have very irregular gradients.
Place two Track Scanners at the start and end of your gradient.
Click on "properties" for one of them, this will tell you the exact distance between them, even around curves.
Make a note of this distance (pencil & paper), divide your height difference by this to give a "height gained per meter".
Move one of the track scanner objects to the 2nd splinepoint in the gradient - the other is still at the 1st splinepoint.
Then multiply the distance between them by the "height per meter" and add the height of the lowest point.
Set the height of this splinepoint to that value.
Repeat for the 3rd splinepoint and so on.
This will give you a constant gradient, even on a curving route.

To neaten things up, add splinepoints where the track disappears beneath the ground and lower the ground to the track between them. Don't raise the ground to the track, but use one of the embankment object splines...

Does this help?
 
Thanks that helps alot I am currently just typing in the hights myself but I will be sure to use the track scanner object, thanks again.
 
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