ruling gradient — English Dictionary

Noun

1. The steepest uphill gradient in one direction on a section of railway line.

   Synonyms

   ruling grade

   Examples

   For the next mile, the line falls, and then rises again, at a gradient of 1 in 50, the ruling gradient of the line.

   More examples (2)

   In the next 65 miles the train climbs 2,470ft to the Arizona Divide on a ruling gradient of 1 in 70 and in steam days a fleet of helper engines was kept busy assisting the heavy trains over this section.

   Minor changes to control gear include the provision of automatic wheelslip protection, since these units will be operated on lines with ruling gradients of 1 in 60 or 1 in 80.