How steep an incline can be

Don't think Buzz was in the UK... that came from a UK picture... :)

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G-force1 said:
Here is the simplest way to check a grade, before or after the event.

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If you want intermediate ratios then make a longer wedge and mark accordingly.
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That is a very good idea ... But two imortant points are missing. One the length of the Spirit Level and two the depth of the wedge at the varying points. Sorry to be pedantic, but such a useful gadget does need explaining further. Though I guess that finding the right spirit level could be a problem.

I have one that is just over 3 foot long and my 1 inch exact block of wood gives me 1:40 grades when used like yours using my mark at 40 inches. Similar gizmo's can be used for smaller spirit levels with a bit of math and some right sized and carefully marked section of wedges.

Great device.
 
Everyone's tools and slope requirements are different so you set up a straight plank on a level surface to the inclines needed to be marked then set your level and wedge on the plank to centre the bubble so the level is flat and mark the wedge.
Alternatively download an android app to your mobile phone that displays angles and stick that on your level, straight edge or in a flatcar on track etc.
 
dunnyrail said:
That is a very good idea ... But two imortant points are missing. One the length of the Spirit Level and two the depth of the wedge at the varying points. Sorry to be pedantic, but such a useful gadget does need explaining further. Though I guess that finding the right spirit level could be a problem.

I have one that is just over 3 foot long and my 1 inch exact block of wood gives me 1:40 grades when used like yours using my mark at 40 inches. Similar gizmo's can be used for smaller spirit levels with a bit of math and some right sized and carefully marked section of wedges.

Great device.
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I agree JonD and though it has been explained on here a few times before, it would probably be fairly difficult to find.

Therefore you need to know the length of the spirit level (the run) from which you wish to draw your standard. In my case 24". The depth of the marks is then worked out to give the slopes that you require to get your 'rise'. 1" would of course for me, give 1:24, 1/2" = 1:48. I worked out the ones I wanted and marked the heights as accurately as I could. Even if not (perhaps) entirely accurate, it does give consistency.
 
G-force1 said:
22 Gav!
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Nope, it is 22yds 1 chain not feet.;)
22yds 1 chain, 10 chains 1 furlong, 8 furlongs 1 mile. Once learned never forgotten.
The three countdown markers to m/w slip roads are still at 1 furlong intervals.
 
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KeithT said:
Nope, it is 22yds 1 chain not feet.;)
22yds 1 chain, 10 chains 1 furlong, 8 furlongs 1 mile. Once learned never forgotten.
The three countdown markers to m/w slip roads are still at 1 furlong intervals.
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Oh yes they are forgotten! Worked for Balfour Beaty for just over a year and had to learn this, as soon as I let the Contract go I had forgotten it all in a couple of weeks. Use it or loose it as they say.

They are certainly odd measurements to be used on a Modern Railway but as the track is marked up in Chains they are still used. Use of these measurements must go back to the beginings of Railways. However some places do have Km markings I believe, spect those will go now in time.
 
chasaitch said:
1 chain is the length of a cricket pitch between the stumps, and down Devon way distances were measured in "gun shots". Try explaining both those concepts to our ex colonial cousins!
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Before "gunshots" it would have been an arrow shot, war bow about 350 yards approx

Shaun
 
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