There are a number of factors that go into figuring the maximum grade.
Each locomotive type has a different rating. The steeper the grade, the less tonage that can be hauled.
In order to answer the question we would need to know the types of locomotives being used and the typical loads being hauled.
Also most logging RR's hauled empty cars up grade and loaded cars downgrade. With the lighter train weights upgrade due to the cars being empty, this allowed for steeper grades.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/26/2012 09:21AM by guymonmd.