MTH bump n' go trolley grade?

Just tested a simulated grade using a 30 inch Lionel bridge. The tallest before wheel slip was about 1.5 Inches rise over 30 inches length. That makes a 5% grade. If I gave myself more margin, 1.25 inch rise over 30 inches, that's 4.2% grade.

Again, to be clear, in my testing, 5% in theory would work on clean track. There are no traction tires on the trolley and it's 1 axle drive, but it is also diecast framed and much heavier than the equivalent "modern can motor" Lionel bump and go trolley.

Well, I finally found some time to get  the new 18 foot long bump 'n go trolley line running this evening.

The grade turned out to be a little steeper than I thought.  My one concern was that the trolley hits a bumper then starts down a steep grade, around a really tight curve over a hard floor and through a removable tunnel.   I put a  24" X 1/8"  super elevation strip under the outside rail to help restrain the trolley.  Also built a 3" tall berm to keep the car from taking a concrete dive.

All that may have been over thinking...those MTH cars handle beautifully at all speeds, banging bumpers, hauling down the grades and whip around break neck corners.  It seems as though I could have made the valley dip even deeper.  The car speed does not seem to run any different up or down the short but tall grade.

The 2003 MTH trolley cars run flawlessly with the Z-1000 controller knob set anywhere from 10 o'clock to 3 o'clock on the throttle face. 

Pictures Tom.

The grade.

The trolley line is a 4 1/2" wide shelf descending and rising along the perimeter of my new peninsula running from one end of the yard to the other end of the yard.   Where there are land forms out side of the tracks they are sprayed over add on 1/8" aircraft plywood shelving.   Just a fun 'n games endeavor.  I take these trains for the toys they are.

Just covered the "Stuff" expanding foam with plaster cloth.  The wax paper is in a slot between the removable tunnel and the berm to maintain the separation  feature.