And weight in the tanks.
If you read the threads, just about every one says if you are using steam engines limit the grade to 2% or less. The only way you can successfully, reliably negoiate grades above 3% with HO rod steamers is use all metal engines with the boilers filled with weight and pull really short trains.
As I have said time and time again. Get several pieces of flex track, attach it to an 8 ft 1x4. raise one end so the rails are above the ground in inches whatever your grade is (4" = 4% grade) and TRY your train on the grade. It will take 1 afternoon of testing and give you 100% positive results that you will know what your engines can do.
Dave H.
Dave, you are right of course, but that would mean I have to build the engines, which I still need parts for, before I go further with the track planning. In this case, logic flies in the face ot time availible.
Hey, Chip, you knew the solution all along…c’mon, now, admit it. [}:)]
Actually, I just assumed they would make it.