Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
Spacemouse, are all of your lines going to have grades? I have a 4x8 with triple oval and the only line with a grade is my outer 22". Both curves are 4% grades and level off on the back side of the layout. My double and triple powered diesels can pull quite a few NMRA weighted cars up the hill, but you have to really watch the speed. I run DCC, but without BEMF they will really get going downhill. My Steam engines, even my Trix Big Boy do not like the curving 4% grade, only pull 5 or 6 cars & caboose. My Rivarossi Challenger has traction tires, so it pulls the hills better, but it sure does fly down hill. (I caught it in mid-air once when it launched at the bottom of the hill and since then I run it alot slower!) My next layout is going to be around 6x10 and my smallest radius will be 22" and 2% maximum grades. Demolition of the current layout is scheduled to begin this spring. Good luck with your layout and keep asking questions!
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!