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Thank you very much for the pictures. At least now I know I can run 4% safely, and probably more. All of you have been very helpful. [quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by jacon12 Rob, these fellas have been helping me on a layout that sounds pretty much like what you're thinking of doing. Mine consists of two 4x4 foot tables connected by a 2 foot wide 'shelf' running 12 feet and then another 8 feet at 90 degrees. I have a logging line that is a 4% grade, seen in this picture.. [img]http://www.pbase.com/jarrell/image/44968007.jpg[/img] and I have no problem getting trains up it. It goes to an area that will be the logging camp and it will be where the yellow loco is parked in the lower picture.. [img]http://www.pbase.com/jarrell/image/45880822.jpg[/img] and that is 6 inches high (from the base). The little 'hill' beside the loco will be a scenery break, another idea from one of the guys on this forum. I agree with Expalacedog in that you're eating up a lot of space for an incline that could be used for operational space... i.e. turnouts, business', yards etc. But, I also think that IF done right and sceniked well it will look great. BUT... I've come to a halt with mine and I'm rethinking if I really want to do that or not. I'll probably go ahead with it in the end. I'm in no hurry.. :) I've been doing a lot of research on logging in the Appalachian Mountains, particularly in what is now the Great Smoky Mountain National Park from about 1900 to 1940 and believe me, 4% was a cakewalk for the Shays that were used. And as Zephyr said, over 12% wasn't uncommon, running up narrow valleys beside rivers, crossing back and forth over the river on rickety bridges. At one point they even put up a 'swinging bridge, of all things. So it is possible and it would be prototypical but modeling the inclines, even with Woodland Scenic risers and inclines.. well... theres more to it than running track on the flats. You have to think about how you're going to do the hills and valleys that run beside the track also. Personally, I think it is an interesting aspect of railroading. I've seen it done by experts in On3 and it was a thing of beauty. But, as most of the guys here can tell you.. I'm no expert and I'm just getting started in the hobby. So take their advice and try to develop a plan to go by. It'll save you a lot of grief down the road. Jarrell [/quote]
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