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Learned how to use very short sections of Kato track to start and end grades. I think a set of 6 2" sections over a foot or so will give acceptable transition at the bottom and the top. I will experiment further on this.I also ran the MRC/Roundhouse 4-4-0 to the grade empty and it went up until it hit it's limits and spun. No problem there, I know I can put a coal trestle at that distance with a gentler grade and try it with a set of 4 cars to the trestle.Up the hill she went, it took alot of power to raise it up that high (2 inches or so over 4 feet).When I moved the engine forward she moved 1/4 revolution and stalled. The weight of the 4 cars combined with the grade made the engine "Cog" badly every 1/4 turn. In fact the resistance from the gears stalled the motor completely and started a fry according to the amp meter.I learned how to start and end grades properly tonight.I also learned the Roundhouse 4-4-0 is strictly a flat land engine and will not work on downgrades; especially if the slack runs in and the weight pushes the engine faster than the set speed. I confirmed this by allowing the engine to run light on level track and pushing the tender a little. She went back to cogging.My BLI NW unit was called into action to get those 4 cars up the short grade. It did that easily. It also got off the grade without cogging.It is my opinion that Im going to probably box the 4-4-0 and put it away because it does not do grades. I could allow the engine to gain speed on the downgrade by deliberately throttling up and the results are a little crazy. So, it goes into the box.I know that I have been posting alot about this particular engine and I have determined to replace this unit with another light engine that does not cog on downgrades.
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