Then I dropped the good E unit and broke the front coupler off....<grrrr> I did get the lead unit repaired and running so until I can get a new coupler (need the coupler box for a Proto 2000), I have a new lead. I swapped the switches from under the cabinets to near where I wanted the train yard to be, and ran several engines around the trackage. Still don't have something right as the small engines run through the switches, but the E's and the tender on the 0-6-0 tend to guide off the switches. I need to look more into why. One truck stays straight while a following truck wants to turn.
I also placed some guards to help catch wayward engines as I haven't run any cars yet.
Uh oh! That's a 5% grade; you may be lucky if they don't stall completely with a load behind them. Adding helpers will get them to the top, but the speed reduction will still be present. Most modeler's aim for 2%, but 3% is usually possible depending on equipment. 2% is about 48" in length for every 1" in rise, hence you would need a 12' approach. I know that some logging railroads are even more steep, but they usually have more than two or three cars to tow. Also, some engines are not affected as much.I noticed the engines slow down a little on the uphill side of the layout (both directions) and resume speed once they hit the flat on the bridge. I don't know how bad that becomes once their actually pulling cars. I have approximately a 3" lift over about 5 feet of run.