Not quite the famed test track out in Colorado but:
Despite the makeshift roadbed support system the Atlas H16-44 will pull 7 cars up a just over 3% grade. The loop is constructed of Kato 15" r sections. The NKP SD9 will pull 11 cars up the grade. 9 with the front truck derailed. Didn't realize it was on the ties until the bugger had pulled the load 3/4 of the way up. This is an Atlas made by Kato unit from the pre-DCC days. The magic of a fully weighted frame I suppose.
So if I rise 2.5" for each loop I probably can get the +/- 15 car train I'm after with 2 H16-44s on the point. That about $100 in Kato sections to gain an additional deck for the layout. Probably worth it. Need to get the initial deck up and running first though. :
