How do I know if a train will climb a slope?

[Anonymous]

Eleven inches in twelve feet is 11/144=7.6% grade. I think most folks start to get concerned at 3%, 4% is pretty steep, 7.6% is a non-starter. Adding a curve increases the difficulty, so I'd say you might need to go back to the drawing board.

[Anonymous]

I'm building my first layout and would like to know how much slope trains can climb before I build it.

Engines are the inexpensive set type. I'd like the layout to rise 11 inches over 12 feet. It is mostly straight track with three 18 inch radius curves (that form a 90 degree curve) at about the middle point.

Does the answer just come with experience?

I've also heard not to climb and turn at the same time. Is this true?

Looking forward to your help!

Craig