Working on a new logging railroad layout. I am wondering what grades are possible with the 2-6-6-2, 2-4-4-2, Shay, Heisler and Climax with three Bachmann cars and caboose? The 2-6-6-2 was slipping at 4%. My 2-6-0 was ok. I will try the 2-4-4-2 next. I have a 2-8-0 I believe will make it because of the weight.
The Cass Scenic Railroad, originally the West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company (WVP&P) has an 1 in 9 (11.1%) grade. Depending on the passenger load, they use one or two Shays, or a Shay and Heisler, to take five log cars converted to covered passenger cars out and back.
Len