CHAPTER XIX 
INCLINES 
Loggers in mountainous regions often find it necessary to 
raise or lower loaded log cars on grades too steep for the operation 
of locomotives unless switchbacks are installed. One western 
logger states that the ratio of track required for inclines as com- 
pared to switchbacks is 1 to 5. These conditions may be en- 
countered in bringing timber over a ridge from one valley to 
another, or from a ridge to a lower level on which the logging 
railroad is located, or vice versa. Logging inclines are often used 
to overcome difficulties of this character. 
Two different incline systems are in use, namely, the one-way in 
which loaded cars are lowered in one operation and the empty 
cars later drawn up to the top; and the counterbalance system 
in which the empty car ascends as the loaded car descends. 
The roadbed for an incline does not require as strong construc- 
tion as a railroad because there is no pounding action such as is 
produced by a locomotive. An uneven grade is not a serious 
handicap unless there are portions which are so gentle that 
cars cannot be returned to the foot of the incline by gravity, 
in which case a trip line must be provided which will pass from 
the hoisting engine through a block at the foot of the incline and 
then back to the summit. 
Inclines should be built approximately in a straight line be- 
cause greater power is required when the direction of pull is 
changed and the life of the cable is shortened when it passes 
over rollers at curves. However, small degrees of curvature are 
permissible if rollers are placed at such places to reduce cable wear. 
The maximum efficient length for an incline seldom exceeds 8000 
feet. 
When loaded cars are hauled up one slope and dropped down 
on the other side, the distance on the down-grade should not 
exceed the maximum for an upgrade haul. 
One-way Vehicles. — These may have one or two cables, the 
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