down grade limit for g scale LGB

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by troybetts

Hello mcnamarajohn and welcome to the forum.In my garden I have done this.I'm afraid I can't tell you the gradient until the weekend as it's dark when I return from work.
Gradients are a fickle subject.If you run a short train or have a large ,heavy powerful train it can handle quite steep gradients.When I laid my track,each section was tested with the 'weakest 'loco.
I would suggest getting a test loco when laying track.There are a lot of pitfalls out there.You don't want to lay it all and then find the loco won't run.
Troy

Outstanding tip, Troy! I plan to have as level a grade as possible; being that I am a teacher, and...eh-hem...grading is what I to best![:p]

I am running some experiements with different ballast and methods of gradings, I plan to build up a significant roadbed that will be firm and stable and resistant to the effects of weathering and shifting soil.

I do have a question for the consortium 'though...

How often is roadbed maintenace an issue on your line? Is it a constant battle? Mounting track on a syntetic roadbed, like some of the planks and platform road bed (terminology issue?)?

[Anonymous]

Hello mcnamarajohn and welcome to the forum.In my garden I have done this.I'm afraid I can't tell you the gradient until the weekend as it's dark when I return from work.
Gradients are a fickle subject.If you run a short train or have a large ,heavy powerful train it can handle quite steep gradients.When I laid my track,each section was tested with the 'weakest 'loco.
I would suggest getting a test loco when laying track.There are a lot of pitfalls out there.You don't want to lay it all and then find the loco won't run.
Troy

[Anonymous]

I'm brand new to the hobby. Don't even have an engine yet (but got a caboose..how's that for putting the cart b4 the horse. I'm going to construct a garden railroad. I'm wondering about downgrade limits. From what I gather a 3% upgrade is roughly what works well. How about downgrade limits? If I always run the train in the same direction, can I go with a steeper downgrade than 3%? What are the limitations in this regard? Thanks for the help..hope it's not too stupid a question.