Jay
C-415 Build: https://imageshack.com/a/tShC/1
Other builds: https://imageshack.com/my/albums
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
QUOTE: Originally posted by SpaceMouse Hi and welcome. I have an 1880's layout and I have tested many engines on my grades which are 3.1% and 3.7%. I have various engines that I have tested. All can get 4-5 cars up the 3.% grade. However, you go up the 3.7% grade and the number of cars you can pull diminishes significantly. Most can get 3 cars or so with a couple getting less than 2 up. I have not tested my Shay, but my Heisler did not fair well. Avoid the 5%. I made a rule for future layouts. Nothing more than 2%.
QUOTE: Originally posted by ARTHILL I think trying is a good idea. I wanted a three level track with crossing bridges and I got it. I wanted lots of mountain and tunnels. At the time it was what I wanted and I'm glad I built it. When I stared my new layout this spring, one of the purposes was to use the few things I saved from the 70s including two brass engines. I still have a layout more suited to scenery than complex running. We will never have an opperating session at my house but the grand kids like to come over and build things. Go for and post us some pics. You can always use it for the end of an around the room shelf layout in the future.
QUOTE: Originally posted by Eriediamond Selector, I fail to see your reasonong here. By lowering the lower track by one inch then reducing the pass over by one inch still leaves you with the original clearance. Since the train still has to climb to the same height, albeit starting at a lower elevation, the distance it has to travel to the upper level hasn't changed, hence the same 5% grade still exists. The only way to reduce a grade is to have a longer distance to travel from the lower to the upper level. Respectfuly Ken
Lynn
Present Layout progress
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/p/290127/3372174.aspx#3372174
QUOTE: Originally posted by jeffers_mz I got two of the locomotives to pull 6 cars up the 4.3% grade by cleaning about 30 years worth of oxidation from the wheels and old track, and now three of the four will do the job.