elevations

Most people try to hold mainlines to 2.5% (2.5 inches in 100 inches). However my own mtn. shortline has 4% and alot of logging and mining layouts I've seen have grades as steep as 8%. However trains can tend to "buck" on downhill grades in excess of the 2.5% rule of thumb. We (modelrailroaders) are always short of space so "we" :D tend to push it some. Most model railroads I've been around have at least a few 3 to 4% grades on them.
 
How many feet to increase 1"? Depends on the grade. For example a 2% grade rises 2" in 100 ", so to rise 1" it would take 50" (or 4'-2"). A 4% grade rises 4" in 100", so to rise 1" it would take 25" (or 2'-1").
 
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