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Optimal Grades
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The steepness of the grade will determine a lot of things about your layout. The amount of curve on the grade is another controlling factor to think about. Curves add to the resistance of the train as well as the rise of the grade. You said that you don't have a lot of space so I would guess your minimum radius is near 22". This can cause long cars that are top heavy -auto racks for instance-to tip over. Even the "regular" rollong stock needs to be properly weighted and free rollong. <br />You need good electrical connections too. Jerky operation causes the cars to pull over. Starting a train on a curve and grade will do the same unless you have good speed control. <br />I run 40 to 45 car freights with 3 or 4 powered engines up 3.5 percent grades and 30" rdaius curves all the time. One of these is a complete loop where a very long train can pass over itself twice. The only time I pulled the cars over was when I was going for "the record". I tried a 100 car train...bad results! 75 has been the max so far. <br />I model the west so the grade of 3.5 is what the ATSF has over Raton Pass. There are some steep grades in the east too just not a many I would think. Southern RR now NS has a 4% grade still in use. <br />Good luck. Good track work and good electrical work is important.
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