Understanding Tomix Viaduct Inclines

Next we are going to look at the inclines that link surface track with viaduct tracks. In designing a layout with a double track truss bridge the question of how to design the incline arose. By analyzing track plans in the Tomix Model Railway System Guidebook and using Anyrail software I have been able to get a greater understanding of how Tomix intends for incline sets to be used.

Tomix offers two incline sets each with 10 piers of different heights.

3016 — single track
3044 — double track

The pieces in each set have small numbers from 1 to 10 marked on the piers. These numbers indicate their relative positions in the grade and are shown on the diagrams below.

In general 45 degree curves or 280mm straights have one incline support under the rail joiner at each end of the track piece and one in the middle, for a total of three. Straights of 140mm have one incline support under the rail joiner at each end of the track section, for a total of two.

Single track sections

Here is an example of a single track incline taken from the Model Railway System Guidebook, page 10 for Tomix 90943 and 91063 (track sets A + C). Tomix 1171 C280-45 and Tomix 1172 C317-45 curves are used.

Tomix single track incline section A+C

Anyrail indicates this track section is 1220mm long.

Double-track rail sections

Here is a double track incline example taken from the Model Railway System Guidebook, page 13 for (track sets A+B+C+C+D). Tomix 1161 C280-317-45 curves are used.

Tomix double track incline section A+B+C+C+D

Anyrail indicates this track section is 1220mm long.

I’ve also come across a diagram of a straight incline made up of 5 280mm straights (total 1400mm) from the surface track to the viaduct level.

Understanding how Tomix intended for inclines to be used is a good step towards better running model trains.

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