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by Mawgan on February 9th, 2008

Mawgan

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What is the steepest gradient an ordinary train can climb?

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  • by anguilla on February 9th, 2008

    anguilla

    The theoretical maximum grade for steel (or iron) wheels on steel rails is 25%. This assumes all wheels are powered, with clean dry rails. While a locomotive could climb this grade, it couldn't pull anything, so the limits on grade are economic rather than a physical.

    Generally mainline railroads have avoided grades over 4%, and prefer grades of less than 2%. Some logging lines had grades in the 8% or greater range, but these were considered exteme.

    SOURCE: http://cprr.org/CPRR_Discussion_Group/2007/11/steepest-grade.html

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