@Jeff_the_Coaster_Guy posted:I've seen all sorts of arguments and loooooong threads about grades.
I know from my own experience as a kid that we used to run figure 8's with a crossover that was WAY steeper than 4%. And all around a curve, no less. After reading through this forum, watching videos, and scouring other model train sites, I'm pretty comfortable with the 4%
Backup plan, if we don't like dealing with "actively" running the trains since it's all conventional, we are just eliminating the redundant switch under the bridge and lowering the bridge to something manageable. At that point, the grade will be just for looks,but that's fine since the second switch doesn't really add that much functionality to the layout. It's more of a convenience to get off the inside line in either direction without having to go around the inside reverse loop first.
Thanks for the tip, though,
I just saw this. My current layout in the 11x11 room has two 4% grades. So far it has been fine. I don't plan to run very long trains in an 11x11 room, but I also have been able to doublehead/lashup 2 pair of 2 engines with my DCS in case I want to run a longer train for fun. Wow, that sure makes a difference over the old days. I got command control 5 years ago, but am only now getting to put it to the test.
