An alternative is to lower the ground by 1% and raise the track(s) over it by just 1% thus getting the same clearance but with a lower gradient

I have a 8% gradient on my layout , I think I worked it out at, going around a bend. I found the the older Farish and Union Mills locomotives handle it with no problems, due to these being made of metal and therefore quite heavy. The newer locomotives struggle to pull and will stall. However the newer locomotives will go up it on their own.

Rob.

I took advice from Steve Wright, the builder of James Street, and kept to 1:100 (1%) on my layout. It has 12" radius curves at both ends, and all of my stock, tyres or not, can pull 8 coaches or 25 wagons up the bank and round the corners, which at one end are still on the gradient. If you want long trains (8+ coaches, 25+ wagons) keep the gradients shallow or use locos with tyres; if you need to use steeper gradients be prepared to have to compromise on train length or stock capable of being used.

Dave

Quote from: scottmitchell74 on January 24, 2026, 03:20:48 AMI'm wondering how British locos handle 2%?

Some do and some don't, and even those that do will struggle with long heavy trains. It's best to avoid gradients all together (in your layout plans) and if that's not possible then make sure they are as gentle as possible and not greater than 2%.

There's no single correct answer.   It really does vary by model, and depends on loco weight, number of driven axles, whether or not there are traction tyres,  weight and drag of the train, whether there are curves on the gradient etc.  I would say British N locos generally don't have traction tyres  

2% is generally considered the steepest to go for, but some trial and error is wise.

My first layout has a frustrating 3.3 to 4% grade. It's very limiting.

On my new proposed layout I want elevation, but I'm only allowing 2% at most.

I'm wondering how British locos handle 2%?

Thanks!

On wagon loads I am looking for solution as loads for these NER quads.



The challenge is that except for the second quad from the right which is a whitemetal kit, these are 3D prints which means they are ultra light so I need heavy loads. The top right vehicle now has a PD Marsh whitemetal pipe load wrapped in tissue paper and painted so just now needs chains added. It now has the needed weight not to bounce off the tracks. However next I am searching for something appropriate for the middle and second from left. Of course  the left hand vehicle without bolsters ( although I guess I could add some... ) will be fine with a whitemetal vehicle.

So, I have two issues - finding something era-specific (basically inter-war) and something *not* plastic or 3D printed. Even Ten-Commandments type cast stone loads would be a little light for this use.

Clearly cargo made up of steel products make sense however obviously not modern-era coils - perhaps a representation in whitemetal of something on the lines of rolled I / H beams might be appropriate - wondering if anyone has ever seen anything like that? I have looked at the websites of the usual subjects (PD Marsh, Langley etc. and can find nothing). Thoughts from other forum members?

BTW - I have the same challenge regarding the NGS Boplate kit which is also a bit on the light side - something suitably weighty and "format appropriate" in its LNER era guise,

Thanks in advance for thoughts,

Cheers,

Colin.

I remember seeing the Cross-Country loco-hauled (CL47) Poole-Newcastle service at Winchester on many Saturdays. Mostly SK's and BSK's with at most one FK or a couple of composites. As far as catering is concerned, I jumped on one service to nip up to Basingstoke and I recall there was one of those "Traveller's Fare" tea-trolleys but certainly no buffet.

I do like a maroon Western with small yellow panels.

NE to SW workings in the 1960s included many made up of portions combining en-route. These are from the Summer 1964 time-table and run via Barnt Green.

York-Bristol: SK BSK SK SK CK CK RMB SK SK BSK

Sheffield/Newcastle/Derby-Penzance: BSK SK SK CK SK BSK/SK SK SK BCK/CK SK

Hull/Newcastle-Paignton: BSK SK SK CK/BSK SK SK SK CK SK BSK

Newcastle-Plymouth: BSK SK BSK SK SK SK SK SK BSK SK SK BSK

Bradford-Paignton: BSK SK SK SK SK SK BSK

It's interesting to note that only one of the trains had any buffet/restaurant cars and none had a fully first class coach - composites being used throughout. Portion working shows

Quote from: Gordon on January 22, 2026, 11:35:57 PMmy two penn'orth:

It looks a bit Southern in style.

However, it also doesn't look unlike the long footbridge at the north end of Leicester station

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwSmIy7jOf8S-ZGTXC7w5v2BG5M0KjD0uWrygx_bH0QnHyfhf47TPKCGHNqskti6PS9UMNU_ACEbcS03LACNsSCCc7IWd4idH-UL0Uaqvz78jGcVd7AsL-iFsmAg-_5e9fAMQUFst0Hw/s1600/45038321571_6eef7e8185_b.jpg

Personally I don't think the 'two ways down' steps look very realistic

Thanks! Helpful info.