Incline Question

[Tom@Crewe]

I am planning my next layout and I am incorporating a incline of just between 2.5% and 3% (1:40 and 1:30). I wish it was 2% but with the room available it got to be closer to the former figures. It's a shunting layout so my two locos are Bachmann Jinty and class 08 with a max of 8 wagons weighted to roughly 45 grams each. Later I may get a 2MT type of loco or class 24.

Will I have problems with the slope??

[Mountain]

I can't remember the max recommended figures but for just 8 wagons I don't see it as too much of an issue. If it is one can fit brass bearings and metal wheels to the wagons and a little more weight in the locos...
You can try it out by placing track on a piece of wood for experimenting with.
But isn't the challenge of making it up the hill part of the fun?

[aleopardstail]

anectodical evidence.

I was aiming for a 1:50 gradient, however due to what can only be called incompetence in the construction phase have ended up closer to 1:25 at the steepest part round an 18" curve

so far we have a Hornby A2 able to manage 4 old railroad type coaches, no fancy bearings, and I can stick a CCT on the back. five coaches and she starts to struggle

a little older J52, prior to blowing the decoder, managed the same with a dozen wagons fine

part of it comes down to the transitions at the ends which will lift driving wheels slightly as they go over the hump & dip, if you can keep these transitions a decent length you may do well

I wouldn't expect issues with 8 wagons with a 1:30 even if it curves so long as the ends are reasonably gradual

worth testing it though

[Bigmet]

...one can fit brass bearings and metal wheels to the wagons...

Ensuring the rolling stock is genuinely 'free rolling' really matters on inclines. If the wagons have metal tyred pinpoint wheelsets, even running in 'dimples' in the plastic underframe moulding; eight at the 45g weight you plan for should be OK , though getting close to the limit for the identified traction on a true 3.3%.

I was aiming for a 1:50 gradient, however...have ended up closer to 1:25 at the steepest part

Those bolded elements are closely related.
Testing for 'free rolling'. What I learned at my first MRC was that rolling stock should as a minimum standard roll away on a true 1 in 100 gradient, and here's the factor to be aware of, most UK floors are not level: and thus first a true level has to be set up, upon which an accurate 1 in 100 can be constructed for vehicle test purposes.
Then likewise the layout, a level datum is required if the layout gradients are to turn out as planned. I have seen this go wrong on any number of layouts over the years. Experience has taught me to allow for adjustment of the layout if possible, as structures can move... (Very easy if an open frame layout structure is adopted.)

That was all dry as dust, but in 'better news' some current RTR OO way exceeds the 'free rolling' minimum standard,
and centre motor all wheel drive as found on D+E models such as the class 24, have very effective traction.

Steam tender loco models, not so good, and work may be required on a 2MT 2-6-0, expecially if equipped with no roll 'bearings' on the tender wheelsets, and ultra draggy wiper pick ups on the tender wheelbacks just to make things worse...

[luckymucklebackit]

If a loco struggles on a gradient there is a real world solution, add a pilot loco and double head.

[RAF96]

I had the room to keep mine to 2% (1 in 50) and have had no problems but these are shortish trains with capable locos.
The important bit of gradients is the transitions from level to slope, which must be rounded as smooth as possible. There cannot be an angle transition or a small radius else you will get lift off or grounding.
My method was to run the upper and lower boards flat level along the route of the gradient, then drill a hole (to prevent cracking) either side of the track at the point of upper and lower transition. A saw cut is made from each hole along the track route to the ends of these boards. Each board track bed part is then bent up and/or down until it adopts the parent slope and a flat piece of track bed spliced in to join the transition pieces. Using 9mm ply track bed gives a nice transition to 2% on my layout.
I trust my wordy explanation is clear enough as I can't run up a diagram on this tablet.