Using Atlas-O track on inclines

A couple of factors are involved. I have relatively steep inclines (2.8%) but used cookie cutter with very, very gentle start/end points to alleviate any sudden changes, and this resulted in no inflection points. I also tried (when possible) to use 40" straights and ensured the incline start/end points were 10" from a track connection point, so that they were on much straighter ground. Finally, I had your problem in one spot and used a few layers of very flat, very stiff cardboard almost like playing cards, but slightly thicker and much stiffer (longest piece on the homasote, shorter piece on it and a shorter  piece on top and touching bottom of track, forming a sort of pyramid right under the inflection point) and this moved the stress away to alleviate the issue.  Good luck, Peter

I would echo PJB's response.  I have 2 relatively long inclines that are  less than 2% grade.   I really had to work the homosote and cork rail bed to ensure that my joiner points were even with no inflections.   If you use homosote,don't be afraid to extend any cuts that you make  to ensure an even extension of your incline.   My incline actually extends an additional 8 inches or so above  (or below) the incline.  This creates an interesting visual effect as the track is below the "ground level".  

Norm 

I think it must be in your construction/trackwork.  My old layout had an incline that was almost a 5% grade starting on an half-oval of O45 curves and rose 7 inches and I never had a problem.

-Greg 

I never worked with Atlas track so I can't say what it can and cannot do, but I do have five percent grades with Gargrave track and I have no such inflection points.

That said there  are a number of negative issues with a five percent grade such as limited train length.

If you have the space I would limit your grade to two percent or even less and then I believe the Atlas track will do just fine for you.

Good Luck and have fun.