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.

Quote from: Newportnobby on January 20, 2026, 06:45:34 PMStrange - my heap of empty cardboard boxes is bigger than yours. That means I've been buying more than you, which I never thought possible

No. It's just that you don't have to hide the evidence of purchases like Bob does.

Two days on and the three baseboards are finished.
Big shout out to Model Railway Solutions of Poole, for the laser cut ply. It was wonderful to work with.

Positives: everything went together exactly as designed.
Negatives: I like screwed rather than glued fixings, and I was about 30 screws short. Not a problem, as I'm off to the tip and B&Q tomorrow to dispose of the cardboard packaging and get some more screws.

Tomorrow we also move the boards to the former Garden office now model railway room.

Bob G

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.

Who ever it was had a "craving" for the West Country! Nice photos and videos Gentlemen.

Tim

Quote from: Newportnobby on January 23, 2026, 12:08:53 PM

Quote from: port perran on January 23, 2026, 12:01:23 PMHere's the train wending its way along the South Devon Sea Wall between Dawlish and Teignmouth on its way to Penzance :

Someone in carriage 'B' has their transistor radio volume rather high!!

Tranny in 1960s speak I think.
With a round dial with which to tune the chosen station.