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Hello Redrider, There are other factors beside train length that need to be plugged into the equation. What's your minimum radius? How many locomotives and what type would be available to pull a typical train? Will the cars be weighted to NMRA recommendations? What era, theme, and locale are you modeling? A train of 30 33-foot twin-bay hopper is going to weigh much less than the same number of 57-foot reefers. I don't see any major difficulties arising from using a 3 percent ruling grade, although I'd aim for 2 to 2.5 percent just to be more prototypical. For a grade of more than 2 percent I would consider assigning a consist of three powered diesel locomotives (six axles would perform better than four) or a couple of hefty steamers, such as Mikados, Northerns, or Mountains -- or even bigger steam power, depending on the locale and era you are modeling. A generous minimum radius (28 inches or more) would be preferable, with adequate transition curves. Also, the vertical curves leading into and out of the grades should be accommodating. Hope this helps, Paul Schmidt Contributing Editor Trains.com
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