What is the Maximum Grade for a Layout?

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Hello,
I am tring to design a layout in RR-Track. I am tring to get a track to go under the board. So far I have no idea what size tabletop I’ll be using, but I have the track height under the board set to 6 1/2". I’m hoping this should provide enough clearance for a vista dome passenger car. Right now the grade is showing 4.8% is this too much for an engine, or will I be stuck only running double motor engines or engines with rubber traction added to them?
Thanks
Rich

2

There is no hard and fast grade limit. But, if you need a number, four percent seems to be the consensus.

3

HI, Does 4 percent grade mean that if you have 100 inches of track then one end would be 4 inches higher that the other end? I am just getting started and trying to learn what I can. Thanks.
Larry

4

Exactly.