I made a grade gauge using a 16 1/2" piece of 1x6 pine, a flat head 1/4" bolt, 1/4" threaded knob, a line level and a piece of 3/8" square aluminum bar stock . 1) Lay out a straight horizontal line down the center of the length of the 1x6 parallel to one long edge. (I actually skimmed the edge with the blade of the table saw, running the board between the fence and the blade to get a very smooth, straight edge before laying out the parallel horizontal centerline.) 2) Print the attached grade scale exact size (when measured vertically on the 12 1/2" line there should be exactly 4 1/8" from on 16% line to the other). It can be printed on 4x6 photo paper. 3) Cut out the printed grade scale and glue it on the right end of the board, assuming the bottom edge of the board is the straight edge. Line up the 0% centerline on the horizontal centerline drawn on the board. 4) Measure exactly 12 1/2 inches left along the horizontal centerline from the vertical 12 1/2" line on the grade scale. This point will be the pivot point for the pointer. Drill a 1/4" hole centered through this point. 5) Grind a point on one end of the aluminum bar stock. Measure from the point 12 1/2" and mark this point in the center of the bar stock. Drill a 1/4" hole centered through this point. 6) Use a spade bit to drill a recess in the back of the board for the 1/4" bolt head. 7) Glue a line level somewhere near the center of the bar stock on a top edge. (If you hold the bar stock in front of you so you can see through the 1/4" hole, that edge is is the front edge, the edge above is the top.) 8) Place the 1/4" bolt through the hole from the back of the board. Place the bar stock on the 1/4" bolt and tighten with the 1/4" threaded knob just to the point the bar will not move by itself. Stand the board with the straight edge on a section of roadbed to determine its grade. Move the bar's pointer up or down until the bubble level indicates the bar is level. Read the grade at the pointer.
Keith: Handy tool to have when you are building a new layout. Speaking of which I sure am looking forward to seeing progress on yours. Suttle hint here and please don't take this wrong but quit coming up with all these neet gadgets ( I really don't have any space for any more cool tools) and start building. I for one can't wait to have another buddy in KC that I can get to come up for a visit and run trains. When I build grades I do it the old fashion way with a tape measure and math. I have found this works very well at helping to keep my gray matter unclogged. I guess I better shut up and try to go back to bed. Anybody got any ideas on how to fall asleep easier. It seems the older I get the harder time I am having getting quality sleep. See you soon. El Bob Oh.
