Help with risers and inclines

[Brian@OSU]

Hello, I have a couple questions on using risers and inclines.  I am using Lionel traditional 'O' track.

I am using the Woodland Scenics risers and inclines and wondered what the best method will be to secure the track to the risers.  They are foam and track screws are not going to work.  Thoughts or experiences?

 

Here is another question.  I am planning a 3% incline/decline and using TMCC.  (No cruise control in my near future.) I have a mix of AC Pullmore motor/Magnetraction engines and DC motor 'TractionTire' engines.  Recommendations for powering the incline/decline? I remember my dad always had separate power sections to have extra power on the incline and lower power on the decline - both separate from the flat sections.  Course that was all conventional.  Is that still the 'way'?  Which engine would you run on this track?  I'd love to see them run as smooth as possible and now is the time to design it in, right?

 

Thanks for the thoughts and ideas,

Brian

[fifedog]

http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/p/116157/1331067.aspx#1331067

Brian, here is my post from when I had just completed my trackwork.  I employ the cookie-cutter technique of benchwork, and I have demanding grades for my trains (most of which have speed control).  Using the old jigsaw to contour your roadbed, with wooden risers (temporarily held with C-clamps), allows you to test your grades before screwing everything down.  I have 5 1/2 inch clearances, due to the equipment I run.  You need to determine the max clearance you need for your equipment.  If you only need 4-5 inches go with that.  Begin your grades as close to your "over-unders" as possible, which will ease the strain on your engines.

The Woodland Scenics risers are fine for modules, but if you already have a sheet of plywood down, why not use it to create your grades?

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

TMCC/DCS typically runs at 18 volts constant voltage, and Lionel warns against using more than 20 volts on the track.  I'd just make sure you have good power distribution, I think screwing around with the voltages is a looser.