2% Grade Test Day

[scottmitchell74]

I laid out a loop of Kato track and slid in one full length of 2% riser foam.

It's finally time to test every loco headed for Black Douglas Vale on the 2% grade I propose. I put a rake of 10 American N Scale wagons behind as a test.

Graham Farish BR Blue Class 40 Sound:

Passed with ease. The Kato powerpack is weak so it only crawled due to the sound demands.

Graham Farish Class 37 Dutch Livery

With ease. My best UK runner. 

Dapol Class 22 BR Blue


This little tank also passed with ease.

Graham Farish LMS 10001BR Black Sound

Because of the sound demands it crept along, but never faltered.

Graham Farish Deltic DP1


This beauty has always been steady. Easy hauling.

Graham Farish Class 20/0 London Transport Maroon Lined

She stalled about half way up with 10 wagons. No problemo. She'll be doing branch line work so I'm still pleased. I'm sure 8-10 British milk wagons will tag along nicely.

I haven't attempted surgery on my dead-in-the-water Union Mills, but if she runs she'll have zero struggle.  I've seen her with more wagons conquer my stupid 4% grade.


I have two steam locos in transit from TMC so I'm a bit more optimistic.  Even if they're reduced to 3,4,5 coaches or 4,5,6 wagons, it'll work on my proposed layout.