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Jeff, Speaking as a person who recently dismantled a beautiful, finished layout because of very steep grades (one of several mistakes I made), I would say don't go steeper than 2 percent. It seems that everyone does the steep grade thing at least once. I definately regretted it later. The reasons for having 4, 5 or 6 percent grades are that one can climb (in a short run) high enough to cross over the other track and it is possible to have two levels of track in a small space. Most locos will not pull trains up these grades with out traction tires. I was using Marklin gear (traction tires: standard equipment), so at least my trains ran up the steep with no problems The more insidious problem with steep grades is how they look. One cannot put buildings next to them lest they look out of plumb. Trains look unrealistic climbing them as well. Advice: consider using a helix if you must climb or lengthening your run up. Perhaps a re-design of the track plan. Your figures sound to to be about a 4+ percent grade - 96" rising 4" (figure a one inch rise every 100 inches is one percent). I suspect, unless you are using shays, you might regret grades this steep later on down the road. Let us know what you decide, Guy
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