real world gradients

[cardean]

Hi,

How do you go about building a route with real gradients? I have the Ian Allan book on BR mainline gradients but I haven't been able to find any info about raising or lowering the track to match the profile.

In the MSTS route editor you could raise and lower the track pieces but can you do this in TS?

Can somone advise me on this.

cheers.

John.

[CamJKerman]

What you can do is download the DEM terrain files for the area of the globe you are looking for then use the built in Google Earth overlay to get a visual representation of where the tracks and scenery goes.

[RobertM]

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[brysonman46]

As the track is a loft (like roads, wall, etc) it is possible to adjust the height at the end of sections, or even mid section, using the gradient tool (there are video tutorials showing this being done). However, I would seriously advise AGAINST DOING THIS. The track sections are interlinked through the tracks bin file, and amending one section of track like this can affect another section further down the line (even several miles away). I know this from bitter experience (fortunately I backup the track files at least once per day when working on a route).
The Ian Allen gradient book is excellent, but only shows RULING GRADIENTS in sections. Also, the DEM data do give good information, but only show an average height over a given area (depending on the detail of the data). The track itself may be passing through a cutting or sitting on an embankment in the section you are looking at. I use several approaches, but find that marking the track line, then seeking a suitable point several hundred metres in advance of your current position, and determining the height (elevation) of that point in relation to the current end of track, enables me to determine the ruling gradient for that section. Once the line is laid, go back to the join, and "ease the gradient change". This is done by using the loft selection tool (first item on the loft menu) to select a good length of track either side of the join, and then using the gradient ease tool (last item on the loft tool).

Nick

[dewilkinson]

I find it best to have the DEM data loaded (my advice is load this for the whole of your route before doing anything else and check you are happy with it) and have Google maps overlay active when track laying. You can set the gradient in the bottom left flyout (see image) but remember to to set it to minus when going downhill. If you have real gradients you can use them, if not make best guesses based upon the topography and nearby assets. Changing track levels later on can have unexpected consequences so avoid that if possible. It is nice to have gradients realistic, but as long as they are about right it doesn't change the driving experience.

I always back up my route before every editing session as disasters can happen, particularly when laying track. I also use a blank terrain to practice making complex track work as sometimes the sequence of laying is critical.

[cardean]

Thanks everyone, all your help and advice is very welcome.

John.

[Halbers]

It can also be helpful to look at an Ordnance Survey map of the track, major cuttings and embankments are clearly shown.

[treaderz1989]

Hi

I posted that you can download an excel spreed sheet with all or most of the current gradient profiles. Containg up, down, distances in chaines and miles, just need to convert to KMs

http://ftp.uktrainsim.com/viewtopic.php?f=143&t=144434

[alpend]

Hi treaderz1989

Unfortunately the link given in your older posting to the information is not working. Do you have a direct link to the gradient profiles? I have tried searching for it on the networkrail website with no success. If it is no longer active and as the information is public domain, would you be willing to make it available here or elsewhere?

Regards Al

[johnrossetti]

Its now here
https://safety.networkrail.co.uk/tools- ... +gradients
This is good fun too
http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/sites/default ... cation.pdf

If I may add a tip re gradients and track laying:
Once you have the DEM data and got all bumpy ground, DON'T meticulously lay track on it, my advice is to pic a track, it can be any track, lay it 3 tracks wide over your google picture and use it to get the ground under it in a good incline etc (using the magnet, snap to track facility) then you can erase the rough track and then relay the proper track on a decent base.
I suggest doing it in continuous 1000mtr lengths, or less, then you then you only have a yellow arrow at the start and end to play with leveling.
3 wide ? because it gives you a decent with to lay on (for double track) 2 wide for single track.
Good luck Cheers John
PS DO check the track rules EACH time you lay the proper track, ive known it to change for no reason and it "dont arf" . things up.

[alpend]

Thanks for the link

[GavNormandale]

This could come in handy as well

Gradient Profile utility (Excel) [115533 bytes] - Gradient profile utility.7z File ID: 27260 Date: 05 Sep 2011 - 401 Downloads

[longbow]

It helps to use the best possible DEM data - try the UK Panorama DEM files on this site.