3.8% is workable, but it's pretty steep. I have 2.5%, and I was trying for 2%, just couldn't get enough run to make it happen. At 3.8%, I can see some smaller and less powerful locomotives being limited as to what they can pull. I tested my 2.5% grade with a Lionchief Plus Camelback that I converted to battery power, I don't have track power fully wired yet. I ran the Camelback up the grade pulling eight Railking Aerotrain passenger cars, it had no issues, which gave me confidence. The Aerotrain cars were selected as they're noted for having fairly high rolling resistance, so I thought they'd be a good test for the grade and the fairly small LC+ locomotive.
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